History of the town of Middlebury, in the country of Addison, Vermont;

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HISTORY

OF THE

TOWN OF MIDDLEBUliY,

IN THE

COUNTY OF ADDISON, VERMONT:

TO WHICH IS PREFIXED

A STATISTICAL AND HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF THE COUNTY,

■WRIITEN AT THE REQUEST OF THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF MIDDLEBUBT,

BY SAMUEL SWIFT.

MIDDLEBURY :

A. H. COPELAND.

1859.

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Entered according to Act of CoHgress, in the year 1859, by

A. H. COPELAND,

In the Clerk's office of the District Court of the United States for the District of

Vermnnt.

Printed by Mead & Fuller,
Middlebury.

NOTICE.

In writing tlie •■' Statistical and Historical account of the County of Addison,"
it has not been my intention to interfera with the histories of the several towns,
which may be published ; nor state any facts or Statistics, exeept such as have
some reference to the County generally. I should have been gratified to notice
some of the distinguished citizens in the several towns, especially such as have been
in ofRce in the county ; also the Academies and other High Schools, which have
been established in several towns. -But I was unwilling to take these out of the hands
of the historians of the several towns, which they will be much better qualified to
describe, and which are more properly within their province.

Thi.s work was written, when the materials were collected, in 18-35. Since that
some changes of a public character have taken place, and some information has
been received, which I have inserted in the text or notes ; but most of the chapters
remain as they were written, — no new materials have been collected.

S. SWIFT,

CONTENTS.

(county of ADDISON.)
CHAPTER I.

PAG£.
Territory — Face of the Country — Soil — Original Fourts — Lime— Marble —
Streams '. 5

CHAPIER II.

County Seats — County Buildings— Courts— Changes of the Judiciary 19

CHAPTER III.
Indians — Indian Relics 29

CHAPTEIl IV.

French Fettlement in Addison County — Conquered by the British and their
Retreat— Grants of Laud by the Freuch 44

CHAPTER V.

New Hampshire Charters — Controvcrsity with New Tork u7

CHAPTER YI.

Opposition West of the Mountain — Negotiation with the Inhabitants of Ben-
nington— Affairs at Walloomsic — Capture and trial of liough — Col. Reed's
Claim — Captain Wooster's Grant — Dunmore's Grant 59

CHAPTER VIL
Efi'ects of the War and the Declaration of Independence on tlie Controversy —
Conclusion of tlie Controversy 70

CHAPTER VHI.

Incidents of the War in the County of Addison 80

CHAPTER IX,

Agriculture— Wheat — Transition from Grain to Stock— Sheep 94

CHAPTER X.
Cattle— Horses 106

CHAPTER XI.
Agricultural Society— Medical Society 113

CHAPTER XII.
Population — Character — Advantages — Dangers 121

APPENDIX.

No. I.— Chief .ludges of the County Court— Assistant Judges of County Court
— County Clerlis— StateV Attorneys— Slieritfs -High Bailiffs— Judges of
Probate District of Addison,— District of New Haven 125

No. II.— Statement of Agriculture, Farms and Implements, Stocks, Products
&c., taken from Census of 1850 130

Ny. Ill — A Tabic showing the population of the several towns in the County
of Addison, us each United States Census, since Vermont was admitted into
the Union • • 131

COUNTY OF ADDISON.

CHAPTER L

TERRITORY — FACE OF THE COUNTRY — SOIL — ORIGINAL FORESTS —
LIME — MARBLE — STREAMS.

Soon after the organization of the Historical Society of Middle-
bury, the importance of procuring, as early as possible, histories of
the several towns in the County became a subject of consideration.
Already nearly all the men who had shared in the occurrences
and toils of the first settlement had passed away ; and their imme-
diate descendants, who are the next best witnesses, will soon follow
them. It is known to all, who have any knowledge of the subject,
that no histories are so interesting to residents, especially descend-
ants of the early inhabitants, as the history of the perils and hard-
ships of the first settlement in their respective towns. Yet this
subject had been everywhere too much neglected, and was likely to
bo neglected, unless some exterior influence should be brought to
bear upon it. The subject was, therefore, brought more distinctly
before the Society, at their annual meeting on the 29th day of De-
cember, 1846. At this time a committee was appointed to consider
the subject and make report at the next meeting. At a subsequent
meeting, on the 23d of February, Professor Stoddard, one of the
committee, made a report, which was accepted, and the plan recom-
monded was adopted, and a committee appointed to carry it into
eflfei't. This committee appointed competent agents in the several
towiifi, and sent to them circulars, embracing the plan recommended

6 HISTORY OF ADDISON COUNTY.

by tlie society. But the committee have found it a more difficult
task than they had anticipated to accomplish so desirable an object.
Some of the agents declined the undertaking, and others, who had
given encouragement, neglected the task so long that all hope from
them was given up. In many of the towns new agents were ap-
pointed, and requested to perform the service. In two of the most
important towns, gentlemen, fully competent to the undertaking,
had collected materials, and made progress in the work ; but in the
midst of their labors, one of them was arrested by death and the
other removed from the State. Notwithstanding the faithful exer-
tions of Philip Battell, Esq., Secretary of the society and one
of the committee, a few only of the histories have been completed.
But it was thought best to delay the publication no longer. On
examination and inquiry, however, no person could be found willing
to undertake the publication of the whole together, as was proposed,
or separately, on account of the limited sale which must attend the
work. Since the passage of the act of the Legislature at their ses-
sion in 1858, it is proposed to commence the publication of the his-
tory of each town separately, as fast as they are written, and the
towns shall furnish the requisite encouragement. The histories are
obtained through the agency and published under the direction of
the society. But it is to be understood that the society take to
themselves none of the credit or responsibility of the composition.
These belong exclusively to the several authors.

As the plan is designed to embrace the histories of all the towns
in the County of Addison, it is thought proper to introduce them
with some general account of that territory as a whole. The County
properly has no history. It has its geography and its geology ; but
it has no active independent existence ; no acts or laws of its own
to be recorded. It is a field rather, in which the State operates by
its acts and laws. It has its courts, but they are established by the
State ; and it has its officers, but they are appointed or commissioned
by the State. Its history is only the history of a part of the State,
and the history of the State is its history. This fact may justify
the record we make of incidents, which properly belong to the his-
Wry of thd St»t«. la doing so wi haye r^li^ on original docu-

HISTORY OF ADDISON COUNTY. T

merits, and do not design to give any general history, but to confine
ourselves chiefly to such incidents as are not contained in our present
State histories, and thus perhaps correct some views and facts stated
by them.

The County of Addison is situated on the west line of the State
and nearly in the centre north and south ; between 43'^ 50' and
44*^ 10' north latitude. It is bounded on the west by Lake Cham-
plain, the western boundary of the State ; on the north by the towns
of Charlotte, Hinesburgh and a part of Huntington, in the County
of Chittenden ; on the north-east by a part of Huntington, and by
Fayston, Warren and Roxbury, in the County of Washington ; on
the south-east by Braintree, in the County of Orange, and Roches-
ter, in the County of Windsor ; and on the south by Benson, Sud-
bury, Brandon and Chittenden, in the County of Rutland, It em-
braces at the present time the following tOAvns :
Addison, Granville, New Haven, Starksborough,
Bridport, Hancock, Orwell, Vergennes,

Bristol, Leicester, Panton, Waltham,

Cornwall, Lincoln, Ripton, Weybridge,

rERRISBURGn,MlDDLEBURY, SALISBURY, WhITING.

Goshen, Monkton, Shoreham,

The County formerly embraced an unincorporated tract of land
known by the name of Avery's Gore ; the east part of which, by
act of the Legislature passed November 6, 1833, was added to the
town of Kingston, now Granville, and the north part was added to
Lincoln, by act of November 12, 1849.

This County was established by act of the Legislature October
18, 1785, and the territory which it contained is described in the
act as follows: "Beginning at the northwest corner of Orwell,
then running eastwardly on the north line of Orwell, Sudbury,
Brandon and Philadelphia, and then so far east as to intersect the
west line of the first town, that is bounded in its charter, or some
town or towns, which are dependent for their original bounds on
Connecticut River as aforesaid, to the south line of the Province of
Quebec, Avhich is the north line of this State ; then westwardly in
said line through Missisque Bay, &c., to the centre of the deepest

8 HISTORY OF AIjDISON COlJNTY.

channel of Lake Champlain ; then southwardly in the deepest chan-
nel of said lake till it intersects the west line from the northwest
corner of said Orwell ; then east to the bounds begun at ; which
territory of land shall be known by the name of the County of Ad-
dison ; and the east line of said County of Addison shall be the
west line of the counties of Windsor and Orange, so far as they join."

The County by this act embraced the territory to the north line
of the State, so far east as to include a large part of the Counties of
Washington and Orleans. The town of Kingston, now Granville,
not included in the original boundaries, was set off from Orange
County to this, by act of the 19th of October, 1787. The act es-
tablishing the County of Chittenden was passed on the 22d of Octo-
ber, 1787, making the north line of this County the same as at
present, except that it embraced the town of Starksboro, which af-
terwards by the act of '1797 was included in this County. The
town of Warren, -which was included in this County, by act of the
Legislature in 1829, was annexed to the County of Washington ;
and the town of Orw^ell, then in the County of Rutland, was, on
the 13th November, 1847, annexed to this County. These
constitute all the changes made in the territory of the County since
its first establishment, leaving in it the towns above enumerated.

The eastern part of the County extends over the first range of the
Green Mountains ; and five of the towns are situated on, or among
the mountains, and others extend their eastern borders up the west-
ern slope. About a quarter of the county is mountainous, or has
a soil of similar characteristics. The soil of this tract is generally
loam of variable compactness, and some is gravelly or sandy. Some
of the hills are so stony or steep as to be better suited for pasture
than for tilling. But large portions are not too stony or steep to be
excellent tilling lands, and are quite productive of many valuable
crops. When opened for a season to the influence of the sun, they
produce good crops of corn, spring wheat and other grains, and they
are especially valuable for grazing. The alluvial lands on the
branches of White River in the eastern towns, and on other streams,
are especially valuable for these purposes. The towns west of the
mountains are in part very level, and in part, what may be called

nibTORY OF ADDISON COUNTY. 9

rolling, with a few hills too prominent to bear that designation.
Among which is Snake Mountain, a long ridge of moderately ele-
vated land, lying on the borders of each of the towns of Addison,
Weybridgc and Bridport. In these towns, the prevailing soil i3
clay, of different degrees of stiffness, with some loam, gravelly and
sandy land, on the more elevated portions, which rise above what is
said by geologists, to have been once covered with water.

On the borders of Lake Champlain, especially in the towns of
Addison, Panton and Ferrisburgh, are very extensive flat lands,
composed of clay, with a mixture of vegetable substances, which
were obviously once the bottom of the lake. These lands, when
cleared are remarkably productive of grass ; but for other crops are
too stiff for easy cultivation, and are liable to suffer when the season
is too wet or too dry. In this tract are several sluggish streams.
One of which especially, being of greater extent than the others,
bears the name of Dead Creek. It rises in Bridport, and runs
northerly through Addison and Panton and empties into Otter
Creek in Ferrisburgh. This, as well as the others, is supplied to a
moderate extent, from small springs at the bottom of the channel,
but principally by rain water and melted snow, collected from an
extensive surface in small ravines. The stream being nearly on a
level with Otter Creek, the water is increased or diminished by the
rise or fall of the latter stream, whose waters set up into it. An-
other called Ward's Creek, also rises in Bridport, and runs through
a corner of Addison and empties into the lake about a mile south of
Crown Point, and another called Hospital Creek empties into the
lake a short distance north of Chimney Point. The quantity of
water in these depends on the height of the water in the lake.
These sluggish streams afford water for cattle in their neighborhood,
through the summer, except in the driest seasons.

Lemon Fair rises in Orwell and runs through the eastern part of
Shoreham, southeast part of Bridport, and northwest part of Corn-
wall, and empties into Otter Creek in Weybridge. In Shoreham
there is a considerable water power on this stream, but below that it
is very sluggish, and its quantity of water depends much on the
height of tile water in Otter Creek, in the spring and other freshets.

10 HISTORY OF ADDISON COUNTY.

On the borders of this creek are also extensive flat lands, which
have no superior for the production of grass.

On the borders of Otter Creek are also extensive flats, which in
the spring and other high freshets are overflowed by the waters of
the creek, A part of the tract, especially in Cornwall and Whiting
on the west side, and ISIiddlebury and Salisbury on the east side, is
so low as to be called a swamp, and, except small patches called
islands, consists of vegetable substances to the depth, in some places,
of ten feet. These lands when cleared and thoroughly drained be-
come very productive.

The natural growth timber on the flat lands last mentioned, was
pine, cedar, tamarack, soft maple, black ash and elm, with an occa-
sional mixture of other trees. And similar timber was the growth
of a similar swamp in New Haven, and another in Shoreham. On
the flat lands on the border of the lake, the original timber was
pine, oak, soft maple, black ash, and some other trees in smaller
numbers. On the western slope of the mountain were a few patches
of pine, and in other parts of the mountainous region were fine
groves of maple, beach, birch, black cherry and hemlock, and a very
handsome growth of spruce, which has become an important article
for building and for exportation. In other parts west of the moun-
tains were considerable tracts of pine and oak. Besides these the
principal trees were maple, beach, ash, basswood, butternut, walnut
and hemlock. The large quantities of pine and oak have been so
freely used for building and for exportation, that they have already
become scarce and high in price.

In the western part of the County, the lands on the borders of the
lake, especially in the towns of Bridport, Addison and Panton, are
greatly deficient in water. There are no considerable running
streams, except the dead streams we have mentioned. The living
water from springs is very limited ; and some of these are so strongly
impregnated with Epsom Salts, that the inhabitants have evaporated
the water to procure the salts for medicine. It is said that cattle
are fond of the water, and that the springs were much visited by
the deer before the settlement of the country. In some parts the
inhabitants are obliged to resort, to a great extent, to rain water for

HtSTORt OF ADDISON COVNTT. 11

family use ; and farmers, who live at a distance from the lake and
creeks, are much troubled in dry seasons to obtain water for their
cattle. Except the limited water power on Lemon Fair in Bhorc-
ham, there is none in that town or either of the towns above men-
tioned of much value. And yet these towns are among the most
wealthy agricultural towns in the County.

The range of granular lime stone, which enters this State from
Berkshire County, Mass., at Pownal, and passes through the Coun-
ties of Bennington and Rutland, passes also through this County.
The lime produced from it is of a very superior quality, and is
thought, by those acquainted with it, to be much superior to the lime
from INIaine, which is common in the Boston market. Considerable
establishments, — one especially, near the AYhiting Railroad Station,
built by L. P. White, Esq. — have been formed for manufacturing
it ; and large quantities are already exported by the railroad to the
eastern towns ; and the demand is such as to authorize an extensive
enlargement of the business, where the requisite fuel is not too ex-
pensive.

From this range large quantities of marble are taken out and
manufactured in Bennington and Rutland Counties, and exported to
every part of the United States. The marble improves, in its fine-
ness and compactness, as it advances north, and it is believed that
the best in the whole range is to be found in Addison County. It
is of a finer quality than any which has been discovered, unless it
be the quarry in Sudbury near the south line of this County. It is
pronounced by competent judges to be superior to the Italian marble
for statuary, and the only doubt is, whether large blocks can be ob-
tained sufficiently sound. No sufficient exploration has been made
to settle that question. No persons have been able and willing to
invest a sufficient capital for that purpose. Some injudicious ex-
penditure was made on a quarry about a mile east of the village of
Middlebury. But it has been in hands not yet able to make a thor-
ough exploration. Another quarry, on which there has been some
expenditure, is at Belden's Falls, two miles north of the village of
Middlebury. It was purchased, together with the water power, by
the late Col. Perkins, of Boston, and Perkins Nichols, of New

12 HISTORY OF ADDISON COUNTY.

York, both too far advanced in life to engage personally iu the
business. Under a contract made with them, a company of men
undertook to make an examination of the quarry, under the super-
intendence of a scientific gentleman. Professor Foster. The ex-
amination was continued for several weeks, and a considerable num-
ber of blocks were taken out, and the Professor, to the very last,
expressed entire confidence that the marble was sound, and that a
large establishment would soon be made for the purpose of working
it. But the work was suddenly stopped without any reason known
to us.

Doct. Eben W. Judd, of Middlebury, was the first person who
wrought marble by water power in this State. He and his son-in-
law, Lebbeus Harris, carried on the business extensively for sev-
eral years ; but both dying, the business was closed. They wrought
principally the blue and clouded marble in their neighborhood, as
more easily obtained. They in the meantime purchased the quarry
of beautiful black marble on the lake shore in Shoreham, large
quantities of which they wrought at their works in Middlebury.. It
was used principally for chimney pieces ; for which purpose we think
there is none superior. Doct. N. Harris, who afterwards owned
the quarry, in company with one or two associates, got out consid-
erable quantities of the marble, and, in unwrought blocks, put it on
board boats and sent it to New York, where it is understood there
was a large demand for it. We believe the quarries in Addison
County will yet be a source of wealth, as well from the lime as the
marble to be obtained from them.

There are also, in several places, valuable quarries of limestone
suitable for building purposes. The most important are in Panton
and neighborhood, from which are taken the beautiful building stone
much used in Vergennes ; and a quarry of excellent dark blue stone
in the south part of Cornwall, in convenient layers for building,
with a handsome natural face, which was used for the front of the
College Chapel, and for underpining of many other buildings in Mid-
dlebury. In Weybridge and some other towns is found valuable
building stone.

The County does not abound in metallic ores. " Iron ore is found

HISTORY OF ADDISON COUNTY. 1

o

in the south part of ^lonkton in large quantities. This ore makes
excellent iron," and has been extensively manufactured at Vcrgcn-
nes, Bristol and other places. But it is said, that it is not ncA,
and is therefore usually mixed with ore from Crown Point, and other
places west of the lake, in order to manufacture it economically.

About a mile north of the ore bed, on the east side of a ridgo
running north and south, is an extensive bed of kaolin. It is white,
sometimes grayish white, dry to the touch and absorbs water with
rapidity. It is said, " It might be manufactured into the best China
ware." Under this conviction a factory for the manufacture of por-
celain ware, from this material, was many years ago established at
Middlebury, on the bank of the creek about a mile south of the
village. But it did not succeed, either through a defect in the ma-
terial, or the inexperience of the manufacturer. But it has been
extensively used for the manufacture of stone ware, and fire brick.

Notwithstanding the deficiency of Avater in some of the western
towns, we are not acquainted with any equal extent of country,
which furnishes a more abundant supply of water power than the
eastern and northern parts of the County. Otter Creek is one of
the largest rivers in the State. It enters the County from the south
in Leicester, through a part of which it passes, and is in part the
boundary between that town and Whiting ; runs between the towns
of Salisbury and Cornwall ; through the west part of Middlebury,
between the towns of New Haven and Weybridge, and the tOAvns of
Waltham and Panton. and through Verg-ennes into Ferrisburgh,
where it empties into Lake Champlain. There are few rivers, of no
larger size, which afibrd, in the same distance, so much safe water
poAver. From the head of the falls in Middlebury, to the foot of
the falls in Vergennes, there is a descent of about three hundred
feet, in a distance of about thirteen miles, divided into six or seven
falls convenient for mills. In some of these, the Avater has a per-
pendicular descent, in others it falla over precipitous rocks, and in
some the fall is sufficient to allow the use of the water scA^eral times.
Mills on none of them are endangered by sudden and A^iolent fresh-
ets. For twenty-five miles above the falls of Middlebury, the banks
are low, and very extensive level flats adjoin them through the whole

14 HISTORY OF ADDISON COUNTY.

distance. In a violent rush of waters from the mountains, from
melting snows or heavy rains, the water in the creek, instead of
rushing in a swollen current down its channel, rises but little before
it spreads over an immense extent of country, and is not wholly
drawn off until the stream is reduced nearly to its common level.
This of course is a protection to all the falls below. Similar flats
above the falls at Yergennes, extending far up the Lemon Fair,
furnish a similar security to that power. The vraters on some of
these falls are but partially used, and on several not at all.

At Middlebury, there is on the east side a cotton factory in full-
operation, and a large grist or flouring mill. On the west are a
woollen factory, a grist mill, saw mill, pail factory, a planing ma-
chine and other machinery for working wood, besides another wool-
len factory not now in operation. At the Paper Mill falls, three
quarters of a mile farther down there are on the west side, a paper
mill, oil mill, saw mill, carding machine and trip hammer shop ;
and on the east side a furnace and machine shop. Belden's falls a
mile and a half further north, is a very valuable water power, on
which there are no works. A mile or two further, and four miles
from Middlebury, is Painter's falls in a similar condition. One or
two miles further down the stream is the Quaker Village falls,
where are a grist mill, two saw mills and sonde other works, and on
the rapids, just above, there was, if not now, a saw mill.

Philip C. Tucker, Esq., at our request, has obligingly furnished
lis the following account of the falls at Vergennes and the works on
it. " Th'^ falls of Great Otter Creek at Vergennes, are divided by
two islands into three separate parts. The width of their head is
about three hundred and ton feet. The height of the fall is thirty
seven feet. The creek furnishes an ample supply of vrater throufh
tlie year. On the westerly shore is an iron foundery, a forge with
four fires, and saw mill owned by the Vergennes Iron Company,
and carried on by William II. White, Esq., There is also a
machine shop carried on by Mr. William Ross. On the west
island, there is a large grist and flouring mill, with five runs of
stones, and a plaster mill owned and carried on by Capt. Charles
W. Bb/IDBURy. On the east island there is one saw mill and a

HISTORY OF ADDISON COUNTT. 16

Tnanufactory of hames. The property on this island is o-w^ned by
Gen. Samuel P. Strong. The hame factory is carried on by Wil-
liam R. BiXBY, Esq. On the easterly shore, is a large building
erected in 1854 for manufacturing purposes, and a saw mill. The
manufacturing building is one hundred and thirty-five feet long,
thirty eight wide, and four and a half stories high on the water
side, and three and a half stories on the land side. A portion of
this building is now used for the manufacture of Sampson's patent
scales, a new article lately patented. The saw mill is sixty-four
• feet long, thirty feet wide, and fitted for a gang of twenty-four saws.
These buildings are the property of Green, IIoberts and Willaru,
but the scale business is carried on by a stock company in connec-
tion with the patentee."

A large amount of power is also furnished by the tributaries of
Otter Creek, which come down from the mountain on the east. The
first in order froni the south is Leicester River, which issues from
Lake Dunmore, runs through Salisbury village, and five or sis
miles from the lake empties into the creek in Leicester. From the
lake to the foot of the falls below the village, about a mile and a
half, is a fall of 150 or 200 feet, available for mills, almost the
whole distance. The stream, although not large, has some advan-
tages peculiar to itself. The water, like that of the lake, from which
it issues is very pure, and being furnished by springs under the
lake or in its neighborhood, is so warm, that it does not freeze in
winter, and obstruct the wheels by ice, as is common in other
streams. Besides, when the water is raised by freshets from the
mountain, it spreads over the whole surface of the lake, and does
not rush in sudden and violent torrents into the stream ; and it can
be controlled by a dam and gate at the outlet, so as to let into it only
what is needed, reserving the surplus for future necessity. There
is now on the stream a saw mill near the outlet. About half a
mile further down, on a fall of 15 or 20 feet, are a forge and shingle
machine. Less than half a mile below this is a large woollen fac-
tory, with a fall of about 20 feet. At the first fiill at the village
of about 15 feet, is a large mill pond, on which are a saw mill, trip
hammer shop and a woollen factory. Immediately below this,

IC HISTORY OF ADDISON COUKTT.

with a fall of 25 or 30 feet is a grist mill, and immediately below
the last mentioned, with a fall of 20 feet is a saw mill, and below
this at the bottom of the descent, is a fall of seven or eight feet, on
which a forge formerly stood, but is not now in operation.

Middlebury River rises in the mountain east of Middlebury, in
two branches ; the principal of which rises within the limits of
Hancock. These unite in Ripton, and the stream descending the
west slope of the mountain, empties into the creek near the south
line of Middlebury. At the village of East Middlebury, at the
foot of the mountain, is a series of falls, which furnish several val- •
uable sites for mills. On these are now a forge, two saw mills, a
grist mill, tannery, two shops with machinery for boring, sawing
and turning timber for waggons, a machine for sawing shingles, a
sash factory and a factory for sawing and fitting barrel staves for
the Boston market. For two or three miles on each branch in Rip-
ton, are convenient mill sites nearly the whole distance ; and there
are now, on the main branch four saw mills, two shingle machines
and a grist mill ; and on the north branch three saw mills.

New Haven River rises in the northeast part of Ripton, and runs
northwesterly through Lincoln, Bristol and New Haven, and emp-
ties into Otter Creek at Brooksville, in the southeast corner of New
Raven. In its course it receives several streams, on all of which
are mills or forges : one in Lincoln, called Downing Brook, which
rises in the northeast part of Starksborough, one in Bristol, called
Baldwin Creek, and another in the south part of Bristol, called
0' Brian Brook. On this stream and its tributaries, are now in Bris-
tol, seven saw mills, two grist mills, one trip hammer, one sash and
door factory, one chair factory, one carding and clothing factory and
two forges. In Lincoln, there are six saw mills, one shingle and
one clapboard machine, and two forges. At East Mills in New
Haven, are a grist mill, saw mill and woollen factory. At the lower
falls at Brooksville, is a very extensive axe factory, established and
owned by Brooks Brothers, which, from time to time, from small
beginnings, has been greatly enlarged by its enterprising proprie-
tors. On the same falls is a saw mill. Along the whole line of
this river, is a large amount of water power yjet unemployed.

HISTORY OF ADDISON COUNTY. 17

To tliese streams may be added Little Otter Creek, •which has
considerable water power and a number of mills in Ferrisburgli ;
and Lewis Creek, which rises in Starksborounjh, and after runnino-
a considerable distance, through Ilinesburgh and Charlotte in Chit-
tenden County, returns into this County in Ferrisburgh. On this
latter stream in Starksborough, are a saw mill, grist mill, carding
machine, works for dressing cloth and a furnace, which is employed
principally for casting plough shares. In Ferrisburgli also, there
are several mills. Both these streams empty into Lake Champlain
near each other in Ferrisburgh.

The Brook Trout is the most common and nearly the only fish
found in the streams, which come down from the mountains and
hills. Li the early settlement they were found in great abundance,
often weighing two or three pounds. But being a flivorite fish for
the table, great havoc has been made of them by the fishermen, and
the number and size have greatly diminished. It is rare to take one
weighing half a pound, and they are generally much smaller. In
Lake Dunmore, the source of Leicester River, at an early day,
were found large quantities of Lake Trout. The water being pure
and clear, like that of Lake George, the fish were of the same qual-
ity and size. They were frequently caught weighing fifteen or
twenty pounds, and it has been said sometimes twenty-five pounds.
It has been said also, that formerly some trout were found in Otter
Creek. But we are not aware that they have been found for many
years past. The principal fish found, until lately, in this Creek or
Lemon Fair, are bull-heads, suckers, rock-bass and eels. The fol-
lowing communication from our friend. Dr. Kussell, will give some
idea of the fish, which now prevail in both these streams.

" Hon Sajihel Swift — Sir .- — Agreeable to jour request, I herewith communi-
cate the facts, connected with the introduction"of Pickerel into Otter Creek; In the
spring of 1819, lion. Daniel Chipman and others, induced the formation of com-
mittees in the towns of Middlcbury, Salisbury, Leicester and Whiting, to visit
Lake Champlain to procure iish for the purpose of putting them into Otter Creek.
The arrangement was successfully carried out ; and at that time large quantities of
the diflerent vai-ieties of fish usually taken in Lake Champlain were placed in Otter
Creek. From the diary of our deceased townsman, Eeen W. Jcdd and others, I
learn, that the committee for Uiddlebury, consistmg of Jakes SATTEKtr, Uarvet

18 niSTORT or addison oountt.

WiLLSoJf, Daniel L, Potter, George Chlpman and Chauxckt W. Fclleb, on th«
12th of AJay visitecl Lake Champlain, and fished with seines at Chimney Point.
The party camped out the night of the 13th, and did not reach Widdlcbury, on
their return, until the middle of the next night. The fish taken were transported
in water, which was frequently changed on the passage. They were placed in Ot-
ter Creek above Middlebury Falls, the same night. Of the many varieties, brought
from the lake, all have disappeared, except the Pickerel. They have greatly in-
creased, both in size and quantity. Some weighing over twenty weight, — notwith-
standing, the largcquantity annually taken from the creek. They are found through
the creek, the whole length, from Sutherland's Falls to the Vergennes Falls, and
the whole length of Lemon Fair. They are as much improved in quality as in size.
It is said that those taken above the Great Falls at Vergennes, are greatly superior
in quality to those taken below, which come up from the lake.

Too mujh praise cannot be rendered those far seeing and disinterested men, who
exerted themselves so successfully fqj" our benefit, and placed within the reach of
every resident of the valley of Otter Creek and Lemon Fair, a luxury not to be
exceeded from any other water. RespestfuUy your friend,

W. P. RUSSEL."

lIIST01\r OF ADDl^iU^ CUUNTT. 19

CHAPTER n.

• COUNTY 6EATS — COUNTY BUILDINGS — COURTS — CHANGES OF TUB
; . -JUDICIARY.

•' ' The act incorporating the County in 1785, established the towns
J . i)/ " Addison and Colchester to be half shires," " for the time being,"
^.y.»iaiid .directed " that the times and places for holding County Courts,
' x^ Courts of Common Pleas annually, be as follows, viz., at Addi-
*B6n aforesaid, the first Tuesday of March, and at Colchester tho
'. second Tuesday of November, and that the Supreme Court be held
on the second Tuesday of August^ alternately at Addison and Col-
chester." The Governor and Council were authorized " to appoint
County Officers and commissionate them for the time being." The
Judges of the County Court, appointed under this provision " for
the time being," were John Strong of Addison, Chief Judge, and
Gamaliel Painter of Middlebury, and Ira Allen of Colchester,
side or Assistant Judges, and Noah Chittenden Sheriff.

The first term of the Court was held at Addison, on the first
Tuesday of March 1786. An act passed in February 1781, had
provided that the freemen shculd elect four Assistant Judges of the
. County Court ; and before the next term of the Court, the freemen
of the County had elected William Brush, Hiland Hall, Sam-
uel Lane and Abel Thompson, Assistant Judges, and the Court
was held by them " at Captain Thomas Butterfield's in Colches-
ter," on the second Tuesday of November 1786. The March term
1787 was held according to the act at Addison; and the County of
Chittenden, which included Colchester, being established before No-
vember, that term was also held at Addison. The Judges chosen
by the freemen in 1786, held the court in 1787 ; and since that
time, only two Assistant Judges have been appointed. Until the
alteration of the constitution, in 1850. these ^vith other Countv Offi-

20 HISTORY or ADDISON COUJ<[Ty,

cers were appoiuted by the Legislature, The' Cotirt continued to he .'
held at Addison until the September term 1792. At theii; October v
session in 1791, the Legislature passed an act removing -thb/iLJi^rC-^".
to Middlebury, but providing that it should not take effect .;'uti_tili'' .•
"April next," and of course the March term 1792 was beld-'ai
Addison. Since that time the Courts have been uniformly hel4 .at .1 /

Middlebury. \.' •'".•*"!■.*' « •

There were no County buildings in Addison, and the .Cdurt' h-cTd' ^
its sessions at the houses of Benjamin Paine at Chimncjy IPoint,' * \
of Zadock Everest, Esq., of Jonah Case, and of his widow a'ftei: ••■ )
his decease, all on the shore of Lake Champlain. The (^ourts^.wei'e ..•,V•
also held for some time at public houses in Middlebufy'j in-'.th-e >«.y
years 1792 and 1793 at the public house of John Deming; .wJii(Ji.';j. -.^
stood on the ground now occupied by the Congregational Chvlrcij'*^-';
and afterwards until the Court House was completed, at tlie public ;; ;.
house of Samuel Mattocks. The first Court House was- coitf-': '
menced in Middlebury in 1796, but was not occupied by the Court * .
until 1798. It was built by subscription of the citizens of . Middle-:' /
bury and vicinity. The jail had been previously built. V .•

Hon. Gamaliel Painter, who owned a large tract of land 'on .
the east side of Middlebury Falls, on the second day of May 1791,
and previous to the removal of the Courts to that place executed to
" John Willard, Benjamin Gorton and Jabez Rogers, together
with all the rest of the inhabitants of the County of Addison, aljd .
to their successors forever," a quit claim deed of the following tract:
of land in Middlebury, " viz., beginning at the southeast corner of _;
a half acre lot of land, that he the said Gamaliel sold to Samuel..;-
Miller, Esq., and is the same lot where the said Miller now''',
liveth; thence south 30 minutes east, eight chains and ten links ta^Vv. -
a stake standing on the east side of a road ; thence east one chain, '■ '
and six links tO a stake ; thence north 30 minutes west eight chains
and ten links to the south line of Miller's lot; thence west one
chain and six links to the bounds begun at," "for the only exjji^ssed
purpose and use of a Common never to be divided, or put to any
other use." This tract is in the form of a parallelogram, about
four and a quarter rods wide, extending from the house lot owned

IIISTUllV or ADDISON COUNTY. 21

by the lato Edward D. Barber, Esq., in front of Mr. Warner's
lot and the Addison House, to the house lot owned bj the late llu-
FUS Wainwrigiit, and now occupied by his widow.

On the 22d of May 179-4, Judge Painter executed .mother deed
to " Jabez Rogers, Joseph Cook and Eleazer Clagiiorn, to-
gether with all other inhabitants of the County of Addison," of a
tract of land in Middlcbury, " bounded as follows, beginning at a
heap of stones at the southwest corner of an acre lot of land, which
said Painter formerly sold to Simeon Dudley ; thence running
south, 80 minutes east, on the east line of a certain piece of land
said Painter formerly gave to the people of said County, three
chains and seventy-eight links to a stake ; thence east 30 minutes
north three chains and seventy-three links to a stake ; thence north
SO minutes west three chains and seventy-eight links to a stake,
standing in the south line of said Dudley's lot : thence a straight
line to the bounds begun at, containing one acre and sixty-five rods,"
''for the express use and purpose of erecting a court house and
jail thereon, and as a common, never to be divided or put to any
other use." This lot lies east of, and adjoining, the lot first men-
tioned ; and on this lot the court house and jail were erected. Jbe
Dudley lot, which forms the northern boundary, is that on which
vSamuel M.-^ttjCKS built his public house, and on which the Ad-
dison House now stands : and it is understood that in erecting the
present house, it was extended south several feet beyond the limits
of the lot, on the land of the County.

The court house was built on the brow of the hill five or six

rods north of, and nearlj- in a line with, the house occupied by Mrs.

WAiNvrRiGHT. The jail house had been previously built of wood

on the same line, and within a rod or two of the south line of the

Dudley lot. It contained a tenement for the family of the jailor,

as well as a dungeon and other rooms for prisoners. This jail was

built by a •'• tax of two pence on the pound" on the list of the

County for the year 1793, granted by the Legislature in November

1792, and payable into the County Treasury by the first day of

December 1794." '• Eleazer Clagiiorn, Gamaliel Painter,

!>A?,irr.L MiLLT-.K. Jackz Rogeks. Jopeph Cook, Sa:\iuel Jewett

4

22 . HISTORY OF ADDIitON COU^'Ty.

and Elijah Foot Avcre appointed a committee to receive and lay
out the money."

The legislature at that time being in the practice of removing
their annual sessions from one principal town to another, the court
house was built with reference to their use. One high room arched
overhead, with long windows, and seats rising towards the rear, and
a gallery over the entrance at the west end, constituted the whole
interior of the building. The General Assembly held its session in
it in the years 1800 and 1806. The inhabitants of the town having
contributed towards its erection, it was used also as a town room.
And until the completion of the new church, in 1809, it was occu-
pied by the Congregational Society as a place of worship, and for
all meetings of the society. There being no other suitable room in
the village, it was used for public meetings of every character.

By the arrangement of the roads in the vicinity and the busi-
ness, which centered there, these buildings were left in an exposed
condition, without enclosures, and the whole grounds around them
became a thoroughfare for teams and other modes of travel. The
jail, especially, came to be regarded as too unsafe and uncomfort-
abla for the purpose for which it was designed. Accordingly, in
November 1809, the legislature passed an act assessing a tax of
one cent on a dollar on the lists of the several towns in the County
(except the city of Vergennes, which maintained a Jail of its own)
for the purpose of erecting a jail in Middlebury, to be paid into the
treasury of the County, by the first day of February 1811, and
authorized the Judges of the County Court to appoint an agent to
superintend the erection. They appointed Hon. Dais'IEL Chipman,
who proceeded to procure a suitable lot for its site, and in Decem-
ber 1810, received a deed from Artemas Nixon, of a vacant lot
on the corner made by the road leading east from the Court House,
and another leading thence north. On this he erected a jail house
of stone, at a cost of about four thousand dollars. After the com-
pletion of this building, the old jail house vras sold to Capt. JCs-
TUS Foot, and by him was removed to the lot east of the hotel,
repaired, fitted up and occupied by his family for a dwelling house.
It is now owned by C.'.lvin HrLi., Esf^.

HISTORY OF ADDISON COUNTY. 23

In 1814 the Court House, in its exposed condition, came to be
regarded as a nuisance, rather tlian an ornament, and was removed
to the place where it now stands. On the first of January, 181G,
and after the Court House was removed. Judge Painter deeded to
the County a tract of hind, " being that piece or parcel of land, on
which the Court House now stands in jMiddlcbury, together with a
free and open passage on the whole front of the same to the Center
Turnpike road, so called, with a passage around the said Court
House on the north, east and south sides of the same, for the pur-
pose of repairing or fitting up the said House, or for the erection of
a new Court House on the premises at all times," " for the express
purpose of erecting, keeping and having a Court House for the
County of Addison aforesaid, on the said premises, where the same
is now erected, so long as the premises shall be used for the purpose
aforesaid, and no longer," with a quit claim of the right to erect
buildings on the neighboring lands within certain distances. The
width of the " free passage around " the House was fixed by a deed
from the Corporation of Middlebury College, who received the land
by will from Judge Painter to R. and J. Wainwright, at one rod.

The Court House having; so hidi a room for the sessions of the
Courts, having been much racked by the removal, and being other-
wise out of repair, was found to be not only inconvenient, but so
cold that it could not be kept comfortable in the cold weather in
winter, when most of the Courts were held ; and for that reason the
Supreme Court held its sessions, for several winters, at the public
bouses. The County Court therefore, in the year 1829, ordered
Samuel Swift the Clerk, and Seymour Sellick the Sherifl" to
divide the building into two stories. The Agents accomplished this
purpose during that season, finishing the upper story for the ses-
sions of the Courts, with one room adjoining for a consultation room,
and three rooms below for Jury rooms and other uses, in the style
in which it still remains. When finished, the Court Room was said
to be the best room for the purpose in the State. The expense of
the alteration was $1250,11. The town of Middlebury paid toward
this expense $250, in consideration that they were to have the use
of the large room in the lower story for a town room, and a suh-

24 HISTORY OF ADDISOIV COUNTY.

scription was made by the citizens to the amount of $113.50. The
balance was paid from the funds of the County, received for licen-
ses, without any tax, and a large share was advanced by the clerk
in anticipation of future receipts.

In the year 1844 the belfry and roof were found to need repair,
and other parts of the exterior were regarded nearly as offensive,
on account of its style, as the interior had been ; and the court or-
dered the clerk to make the requisite repairs and alterations. This
was accomplished the same season at an expense of $822,70, of
which the town paid $137. The balance was paid from the County
funds, as in the case of former alterations. By means of these al-
terations nothing remains of the first Court House but the frame.

In the meantime the stone jail built in 1811 was found, like the
old one, unsafe and entirely uncomfortable and oppressive to pris-
oners confined in it, and not in accordance with the philanthropic
views, which prevailed ; and it had been many times indicted by the
grand jury. The legislature, in October 1844 therefore granted a
tax of six cents on a. dollar of the lists of the several towns in the
County except the city of Vergennes, for the purpose of erecting a
new jail, provided the inhabitants of Middlebury would, before the
first day of February 1845, procure conveyed to the County of Ad-
dison a suitable piece of land, to the acceptance of Silas H. Jeni-
SON, Hjrvey Munsill and Silas Pond, and appointed Samuel
Swift and Austin Johnson Agents, to superintend the erection.
The lot now occupied for that purpose was purchased and paid for
by the citizens of Middlebury, and accepted by the above mentioned
commissioners. The agents believing that, as the population and
business of the County should increase, and a more speedy commu-
nication by rail roads should be opened, the number of criminals
would increase ; and desiring to erect a prison, which would be ad-
equate to such an emergency, and not require to be soon replaced,
adopted a plan larger than present circumstances required. They
accordingly erected a large brick building, the front of which was
designed for the residence of the Sheriff" s family, with an oflBce for
the sheriff. Through this room is the only communication with
the prison from the outside. The prison is in the rear of the build-

UISTORY or ADDISON COUNTY. 25

ing, in which are twelve cells for securing each prisoner by himself
in the night, six in the lower and six in the upper range, with a large,
well lighted and ventilated room in front of them, for the occupation
of the prisoners in the day time. The prisoners in this room are,
at all times, subject to inspection, by means of a grated opening,
from the rooms occupied by the family. By the same means the
least disturbance or noise, by night as well as by day, may be heard.
The expense of the cells was much larger than was anticipated. The
iron work alone cost about ^1500 ; and slabs of strong stone were
purchased and hauled from Brandon, for the floors, caps and sides
of the cells, from six to eight inches thick, and . of the size of the
length, width and height of the cells. When the legislature as-
sembled in October 1846, the tax had been expended, the agents
were largely in debt and the jail not completed. Application was
therefore made for a further tax. The representatives from the
County, to whom the application is by law referred, consented to
another tax of five cents on a dollar, — wholly inadequate for the
purpose, — on condition that the tOAvn or village or citizens of Mid-
dlebury would give a bond to the satisfaction of the judges of the
County Court, to secure the payment of all the debts, and the com-
pletion of the Jail, and by the act, EuFUS V/ainwright was ap-
pointed an additional agent. To him the other agents committed
the whole management of the business. A subscription was raised
among the citizens, the debts were paid and the prison completed,
but the plan was not carried out to its full extent. The whole ex-
pense was about $8000. After the completion of this building, the
old stone jail house was sold to Mr. Oliver Wkllington, who,
after great alterations and at great expense, has since occupied it as
a dwelling house.

From the year 1787 to the year 1825, the County Court consis-
ted of a chief judge, and two assistant judges, appointed expressly
to those offices, and was independent of the Supreme Court. In
November 1824, the Legislature passed an act reorganizing the
Supreme and County Courts, and providing, that the Supreme (. ourt
should consist of a chief judge, and three assistant judges, and
that the County Court, "from and after the third Thursday of Oc-

26 HISTOKY OF ADDISON COUNTY.

tober then next," should consist of a chief judge, ^Yho should be one
of the judges of the Supreme Court, for each circuit, and two as-
sistant judges, appointed as before required by law. And the State
was for that purpose divided into four circuits. The number of
Judges of the Supreme Courts and of the circuits was afterwards
increased to five. To the County Courts, by this act was given
''original and exclusive jurisdiction of all original civil actions,
except such as are cognizable before Justices of the Peace," "and
appellate jurisdiction of all causes civil and criminal appealable to
such Court," and " original jurisdiction of all prosecutions for crim-
inal offences, except such as are by law made cognizable by justices
of the peace;" and in such cases the jurisdiction of the Supreme
Court extended only to questions of law, arising out of the trial in
the County Court. The clerk, to be appointed by the County
Court, was to be also clerk of the Supreme Court.

At the session in October 1849, the Legislature made a further
alteration in the organization of the judiciary system. The act
passed at that session provided, that the State should be divided into
four judicial circuits, and that one circuit judge should be appointed
for each circuit, and these judges were constituted chief judges of
the County Court in each County, and chancellors in their re-
spective circuits. These were distinct from the Judges of the
Supreme Court, and, with the two assistant judges, constituted the
County Court. The first circuit was composed of the Counties of
Bennington, Rutland and Addison.

The Legislature at their session in October 1857, repealed the
law last mentioned, and provided that the Supreme Court shall con-
sist of one chief judge and five assistant judges. These judges
are constituted chief judges of the County Court and Chancel-
lors in the several Counties ; and for this purpose it is made the
duty of the Supreme Court to assign one of the judges to each
County. This act substantially restores the system adopted in 1824.

By the first constitution of the State, adopted in 1777, it was
provided " that the General Assembly when legally formed, shall
appoint times and places for County elections, and at such times
and places the freemen in each County respectively, shall have the

lII;jTailY Ul- ADUiiUN COUNTY. 27

liberty of choosing the judges of the Inferior Court, or Court of
Common Pleas, Sherifts, Justices of the Peace and Judges of Pro-
bate, commissioned by the Governor and Council, during good be-
havior, removable by the General Assembly upon proof of malad-
ministration." By the amended constitution, adopted by the con-
vention in 1786, it was provided, that the al)ove mentioned officers
should be annually elected by the General Assembly, " in conjunc-
tion with the council." And they continued to be thus elected,-
until the amendment of tbe constitution adopted in 1850. Until
this time no provision ■\yas made in the constitution for the election
of a state's attorney or high bailiff. An act passed in February
1779, provided " that in each County there shall be one State's
Attorney, and that they- be appointed by the respective County
Courts." Col. Seth Storks, then residing in Addison, was ap-
pointed by the Court in 1787, the first State's Attorney of Addison
County. Afterwards the State's Attorney, as well as the High
Bailiff, was appointed in the same manner as other officers.

At the time of the election of the Council of Censors in 1848,
the evils of the then existing mode of electing County Officers by
the legislature, had become more and more apparent for several
years, and had come to be condemned generally by the people. The
nomination, according to practice, being made by the County mem-
bers had become a subject of trafic between the parties interested,
and was subjected to an influence, which could not be made to bear
upon the mass of the people. It also occasioned much delay of the
appropriate business of the Legislature. Accordingly the conven-
tion, which was held in 1850, in pursuance of the recommendation
of the Council of Censors, adopted the amendment now in force.
This provides, that the assistant judges of the County Court,
Sheriffs, High Bailiffs and State's Attorneys, shall be elected by the
freemen of the Counties, the Judges of Probate by the freemen of
their respective districts, and Justices of the Peace by the freemen
of the several towns. The votes arc to be given at the freemen'a
meeting on the fir^t Tuesday of September, to be sent to the next
session of the Legislature, and there canvassed by a joint committee
of the Senate and House of Representatives. The officers chosen

28 HISTOllY OF ADDISON COUXTTT.

are commissioned hj the Governor, and hold their offices for one
year from the first day of December following.

By an act of the legislature in February 1787, the County of
Addison was constituted a Probate District, and Probate Courts
•were established in it, and until the year 1824, the -whole constitu-
ted but one Probate District. The Legislature, at their October
session in that year, divided the County into two Districts, by the
names of Addison and New Haven. The District of New Haven
embraces the towns of Addison, Panton, Vergennes, Waltham, New
Haven, Bristol, Lincoln, Starksborough, Monkton and Ferrisburgh,
The remainder of the County constitutes the District of Addison.*

*S:!C Appendix No. I. for list of County Officers.

IIISTORV OF ADDISON OOUNTT. 29

CHAPTER III.

INDIANS — INDIAN RELICS.

In what we have to say of the Indians, the original inhabitants of
the County of Addison, it is not our purpose to enter into any
learned dissertation on their character, customs or history. Such
treatises may be found elsewhere. We regard it as belonging to
our province to speak only of their residence in the County, and of
their depredations so far only as they affect the County and its set-
tlement, and that not in detail. It is but a very short time since
we commenced any inquiries on the subject. But from the accounts
we have obtained, during our short examination, we find satisfactory
evidence, in the Lidian relics found in different towns, that the
County of Addison was the established residence of a large popula-
tion of Indians, and had been for an indefinite period. The borders
of Lake Champlain, Otter Creek, Lemon Fair and other streams,
furnished a convenient location for that purpose.*

Previous to the discovery of Lake Champlain, in 1609, the
Iroquois, or Five Nations, which together formed a powerful Indian
tribe, claimed and occupied an extensive country south of Lakes
Erie and Ontario, and the River St. Lawrence, and extending to
and including Lake Champlain and Western Vermont, and previously
had been undoubtedly settled in this County. It is supposed by
many, that their settlement extended as far north as the River
Sorel, which forms the outlet of Lake Champlain, and that the

*In a conversation, which Philip Battell, Esq., had. several years ago, with
an intelligent Indian woman, she stated that the Indian names of all the streams
and waters in this region were familiarly known among the Indians, and that the
old Indian, who died at Bristol, as mentioned elsewhere, could have given the names.
She said the name of Otter Creek, was \V unagecqu'tuc, which the French called
La Kiviere aux Loutres, both which mean The Kiver of Otters. The name of Lake
Dunmore, ahe said, was Moosalamoo, Salmon Trout Lake.

5

30 niSTOllY OF ADDISON COUNTY.

river was called the Iroquois for that reason, and Champlain so rep-
resents it. But others suppose, that it was called bj that name,
because it came from the country of the Iroquois. Yv'hen Samuel
Champlain, the French leader, came up the lake on his tour of
discovery, in 1609, the Iroquois had withdrawn from the islands in
the north part of the lake, which now constitute the County of
Grand Isle, and which the Indians, with Champlain, represented,
had been inhabited by them. He says, in his account of this excur-
sion : "I saw four beautiful islands, ten, twelve and fifteen leagues-
in length, formerly inhabited, as well as the L'oquois River, by
Indians, but abandoned, since they have been at war, the one with
the other." " They retire from the rivers as far as possible, deep
into the country, in order not to be soon discovered." And again
he says^ " Continuing our route along the west side of the lake, I
saw, on the east side, ■ very high mountains capped with snow. I
asked the Indians, if those parts were inhabited. They answered,
yes ; and that they were Iroquois, and that there were in those parts
beautiful vallies, and fields fertile in corn, as good as I had ever
eaten in the country." In anticipation of this expedition, Cham-
plain, had entered into a treaty with the Algonquins, who dwelt
along the north bank of the St. Lawrence, between Quebec and
Montreal, in which " they promised to assist the stranger, in his
attempt to traverse the country of the Iroquois, on condition, that
he should aid them in a war against that fierce people ;" and he and
the two Frenchmen with him, came armed for the conflict, with
muskets. The Indians described the place, where they expected to
meet their enemies, and they, as well as the French in Canada,
spoke of this as the country of the Iroquois. On the border of the
lake, near Crown Point,* as they expected, they met a war party

* Historians generally represent that this battle took place at Lake George. The
editor of the Documentary History of New York, says iu a note, " The reference in
Cliamplain's map locates this engagement between Lake George and Crown Fo'iit,
probably in what is now the town of Ticonderoga. Essex County." We find no
authority, m Chauiplain's account for either^ of tliesc opinions. lie says they
met their enemies, "at a- point of a cape, which jets into the lake on the we.st
eide." V.'e know of no ether point, which better answers the description than the

I

iriSTORY OF ADDISON COUNTY. 31

of tlie Iroquois, who defied tliem. But, when Champlain, at a
single fire of his arquebus, killed two chiefs and mortally wounded
another, and another Frenchman fired from another quarter, they
fled in alarm, at the new and unheard of weapons of war, and were
defeated.

Previous to this, incessant wars Avere carried on between the Al-
gonquins, aided by the Ilurons, a powerful tribe, occupying an
extensive country in Canada, extending as far west as the lake from
which they derived their name, on one side, and the Iroquois on the
other. For many years subsequently, the latter had no aid from
European Colonies or European arms. When the Dutch had pos-
session of New York, they were too much engaged in commerce,
and traffic with the Indians, to take part in their wars. But the
wars still continued with great fury, between the French colonists
and Indians, and the Iroquois unaided and without fire arms. The
latter were particularly hostile to the French, because they had fur-
nished their enemies with their new and deadly weapons. After
the English in 1664, obtained possession of New York, they enlisted
in the wars, w^hich were still continued between the French colo-
nists and their Indians on the north, and the Eng-lish colonies and
their Indians on the south, until the . conquest of Canada in 1760.
The Iroquois still claimed this territory, and their claim was ac-
knowledged by the government of New York. But it does not
appear, that after the discovery of the lake and their retreat on
that occasion, they ever had any permanent settlement here. The
Mohawks and the other confederate tribes seem to have occupied the

eape, which runs up between the lake and Bulwaggy Bay, at Ci'own Point. Hon.
John W. Strong, thinks the place of this battle was " on Sandy Point, being the
extreme north-western terminus of Crown Point, and the entrance of Bulwaggy
Biy." In one of his numbers in the Vcrgenncs Citizen on •' Local History,"
after describing the place as such " as would be chosen by the Indians for defence,"
and giving other reasons for his belief, he says : " The writer, in passing this place,
several years ago, was surprised at the number of arrow heads, that lay on the
shore and in the water, and on examining closely he found several pistol and mus
ket balls, two French military buttons, a copper coin of the fifteenth century and
two clumsev musket flints."

82 HISTORY OF ADDISON COUNTY.

region of the ISIohawk River, and the territory south of Lakes Erie
and Ontario.*

In the mean time, Lake Champlain and its neighborhood was a
thoroughfare, through which the ho,stile parties made their excur-
sions in their alternate depredations on each other. In the latter
part of the 17th century and the fore part of the 18th, many of
these incursions took place. In 1689, while the French and Indi-
ans were making fruitless arrangements to invade the settlements in
New York, at Albany, and its neighborhood, the Iroquois fitted out
an expedition, invaded Canada, plundered and burnt Montreal and
destroyed other settlements in the neighborhood. The next year,
1G90, the French and Indians fitted out two expeditions. One pro-
ceeded into New Hampshire, destroyed the fort at Salmon Falls,
killed many of the inhabitants and took many prisoners ; the other
proceeded by the way of Lake Champlain, attacked and burnt Sche-
nectady, and killed and captured many of the inhabitants. In
1691, the English and Iroquois made an excursion into Canada,
through the lake, and made a successful attack on the settlements
on the River Richelieu, and killed many of the settlers. In 1695,
the French and Indians invaded the territory of the Iroquois, and,
after several battles, in which the latter were aided by the English,
under Col. Schuyler, they were driven back. In lY04, the Eng-
lish settlements on Connecticut River, having extended as far as
Deerfield, the French and Indians, coming up the lake to the mouth
of Onion River, and following up that river, invaded and destroyed
that place, and killed and took captive many of the inhabitants.

In the meantime the English had come to the conclusion, that
there would be no security from the ravages of the Indians, but by

* It is universally admitted, that the Iroquis claimed the whole of this territory.
We think also that their claim extended, along the Kiver Richelieu, as far as tlie
St Lawrence, and that they had a permanent residence here. No history pretends
that any other tribe settled here. But it is not improbable, that on account of the
wars, which had for some time been carried on between them and the Algoaquins,
they had been induced to remove their residence further from the neighborhood of
their enemies, at least, from the borders of the lake ).'.>f ua ^.'JlA:;Ii.v!:■. j- uitcovery
of it. They h"id at least left the islands at the north part of the. lake before that,
and Champiain's party did not meet aftyeuemy until they reached Cro\^n Point.

HISTORY OF ADDISON COUNTY. 33

conquering the French, as well as the savages. In 1709 and sev-
eral following years, attempts were made, through the lake, to in-
vade and conquer Canada. And while the English and French gov-
ernments were at peace, for some years previous to 1725, wars were
still carried on by the Indians, aided occasionally by the English
and French colonies. In 1746, while the French were in posses-
sion of Crown Point, an expedition from that place was fitted out
by the French and Indians, who captured Fort Iloosick, which be-
fore that had been built at Williamstown, ]Massachusetts, near the
southwest corner of Vermont.

During all these expeditions and until the French were driven
from Crown Point in 1759, this territory, including the whole of
Western Vermont, was exposed to the depredations of the Indians,
and settlements in it were wholly unsafe. Even the proprietors of
Bennington, who had obtained a charter in 1749, did not venture
to commence a settlement of that town until 1761, after the conquest
of Canada.

In the short time, in which our attention has been directed to the
subject, we have collected such information as we have been able,
respecting the Indian relics found in the County, as the best evi-
dence of the extent of Indian settlements. Our inquiries have not
extended to all parts of the County. They have generally been
made of those farmers and others, whom we have incidentally met.
And now the printers threaten to tiead upon our heels, and we are
compelled to stop our inquiries. But such facts as we have obtained,
we present below, and we trust the reader will find in them s atis-
factory evidence, that the Indians once had a permanent settlement
here. But the permanent settlement, we think, must have closed
with the discovery of Lake Champlain, by the French leader, Sam-
uel CiiAMPLAiN, two hundred and fifty years ago, and the manu-
facture of the implements we describe, of course ended then.
There may have been a temporary residence of some tribes, while
the French had possession of Crown Point, or dftring the Revolu-
tionary war, while the British had the control of the lake. But
we have, we think, the testimony of history, that after the Iroquois
wero first overcome off by the fire arms, which were used by Cham-

34 HISTORY OF ADDISON COUNTY.

PLAIN and his Frenchmen, thej never returned to occupy this region
by a permanent settlement. Besides, after the Indians were fur-
nished by Europeans with fire-arms and other needed implements,
they had no occasion to manufacture them.

The main object of our inquries has been to find evidence of the
extent of Indian settlements in the County. But, if our time had
permitted, we might have presented some other views of the subject.
The want of time also has prevented our giving illustrations of some
of the less common manufactures, as we intended. The following
are the results of our inquries, and the sources of our information :

Professor Hall, in his account of Middlcbury, in 1820, states
that on the farm in the south part of the town, on which Judge
Painter first settled, now owned by William F. Goodrich, on an
alluvial tract, near Middlcbury River. — and his statement is con-
firmed to us by Mr. Goodrich, — "are found numerous articles of
Indian manufacture, such as arrows, hammers, &c., some being of
flint, others of jasper. A pot, composed of sand and clay, of curious
workmanship, and holding about twenty quarts, has recently been
dug up here nearly entire."

Almon W. Pinney, states, that in an old channel of the same
river, on the old Smalley farm, and not far from the same place,
the water had washed away the bank and uncovered parts of a
broken " camp-kettle," as he called it, holding- about a pailful and
a half, of the same material as the above, curiously ornamented by
flowers or leaves wrought on the sides. There were also found
there half a bushel of perfect and • imperfect arrow heads, one of
which was four inches lono'.

Enoch Dewey, states, that on his farm, in IMiddlebury, on which
his father was an early settler, two miles southeast from the village,
and west of his house, on dry land near a brook between the hills,
lie has plouglied up on two separate spots, chippings, or fragments
of stone, obviously made in manufacturing arrow heads and other
implements, together with a bushel or more of perfect and imperfect
arrow heads all of grey flint.

On the house lot of the writer, in the village of Middlcbury,
several years ago, was ploughed up an Indian pestle of hard grey

iirsTDiiY or addison county. 85

stone, made round and smooth, and rounded at the ends, about fif-
teen inches Ions and t^YO and a half inches in diameter.

Mr. RuFUS Mead, editor of the Middlcburj Rcgisler, states,
that on the farm on Avhich his fatlier lived, and his grandfather waH
an early settler, in the Avest part of Corn-\vall, have been found
large numbers of arroAV and spear heads, from two to five inches in
length, and, among them, stone chips, worked off in the construc-
tion of arrow heads, and many imperfect arrow heads, apparently
made by unskilful artists, or spoiled in the manufacture : that at
every ploughing for many years, these relics have been ploughed
up. This locality is near a spring, and on ground sloping to
Lemon Fair Flats. On this slope for som.e distance, the land is
springy, and on several of the neighboring farms, similar relics are
found. In that neighborhood was also found a stone gouge, in the
regular shape of that tool, six or eight inches long, and two and a
half inches wide. This tool Mr. Mead thinks, was used for disi-
ging out their canoes, the wood being first burnt and charred hy
fire. The arrows, he says, were of flint, partly light and partly
black ; and he is confident they were made of materials wJiich are
not found in this country. Otter Creek, and Lemon Fair, which
empties into it, are navigable for boats from the head of the falls at
Vergennes to this place.

Deacon Warner states, that on his farm in Cornwall, first set-
tled by IjENJA]MIX Hamlix, were found, at an early day, a great
variety of Indian relics, arrow heads, spear heads, and other imple-
ments Oif which he does not know the use : also chippings and frag-
ments of stone, made in the construction of the articles, and defect-
ive and broken implements. Some of the articles were made of
flint stone, and some, designed for ornament, of slate. This locality
is on a rise of ground near a Beaver Brook and Beaver Meadov*'.
•The brook empties into Lemon Fair, and is navigable for boats from
that stream, except in dry weath^.

About three quarters of a mile from the a]jpve, on the same
Beaver Brook, and on the farm of Ira Hamlin, is found similar
evidence of the manufacture of Indian relics, amonn- other thinjr??,
gouges, chisels and arrows, of three or four different kinds of stone.

36 HrsTor.Y of addis'o> cjujs'ty.

This statement v/as rececivcd from ]\Ir. Hamlin, and communicated
to us, with specimens of the manufacture, by RuFUS Mead, Esq.,
Avho was also personally acquainted with the locality, and generally
with the facts.

Major OiiiN Field, of Cornwall, states, that on his farm, on the
road leading south from the Congregational Church, scattered arrow-
heads have been frequently found, and Judge Tilden says, that on
his farm, not far distant, similar discoveries have been made. Major
Field also ssljs, that on the same farm, then owned by Benjamin
SxiiVENs, he was shown by Mr. Stevens, in 1807, what was re-
garded as the ioundation of an Indian wigwam or hut. It was a
ridge of earth, about six inches high, in a square shape, the sides
of which were eight or twelve feet long, the ridge running all around
except at the east end was a vacant space, apparently designed for a
door way. The earth was thrown up, to form the ridge on the out-
side. The ridges have now disappeared.

Major Field also says, that on the farm of his father, on which
his grandfather Avas an early settler, in a burying ground on sandy
land, in digging a grave in 1802, there were throAvn up three Indian
relics, of the same size and shape and in the form of a heart, about
five inches long and three wide at the top. A smooth and straight
hole, one-half inch in diameter, was bored through the length, the
exterior surface being swollen to accommodate the hole. The sides
were w^orked to an edge.

Austin Dana, Esq., of Cornwall states, that on his farm, which
adjoins Lemon Fair, he has often ploughed up large numbers of
points, from one and a half to seven inches long, all which he
tliinks Avere designed for arrow heads, intended for shooting animals
of different sizes, together Avith some which were broken, and a stone
gouge eight or ten inches long. in. the proper shape of that instrument.
Pieces of the arroAV heads he has often used for gun flints. He has*
also found, at three different springs on his farm, as many different
paA'ements of ston^ designed and used for fires in their huts, which
haA^e evident marks of the effects of fire. They are made of cob-
ble stones, pounded down and made level and solid, like a pave-
ment, six or seven feet in diameter. He says also, that on scA'eral

UISTOKY OF ADDJ:rUX COLXTY". 87

farms Ijing north of his, he has seen hearths formed in the sanio
waj, and obviously for the same purpose. These are always on the
border of the Fair, or of brooks running from the hills into it.

Jesse Ellsworth, of Cormvall, states, that on his farm, near
Lemon Fair, on low ground, he has found arrow and spear heads
often, and a pestle. Some of the spear and arrow heads are grey,
and others black.

On the farm of the late Joseph Smith, in Salisbury, and other
farms in the neighborhood, have been found also similar relics scat-
tered over the land. But Ave do not regard it necessary to mention
further cases of this kind. Almost every farmer of whom vfc havo
inquired, has found them, more or less, scattered over his farm.

Deacon SamCel James, whose farm is in the south part of Wey-
hridge, and ■whose house is at the east foot of a ridge of land, about
two miles west of the village of Middlebury, states that on the east
side of the road, which passes by his house, on a dry sandy hill,
near a Beaver Brook and meadow, are found many arrow heads,
many of them imperfect, together with chippings and fragments of
stone, which furnish evidence, that it had been a place for the man-
ufacture of Indian implements. On the hill west of his house, was
found a rounded relic, two inches in diameter, about a foot long,
rounded at one end, and the other end made in the form of a gouge,
two and a half inches wide, but not wrought to an edge.

Philo Jewktt, Esq., of Weybridge, gave us a particular account
of his discovery of Indian relics, but unfortunately our memoran-
dum of his statement has been mislaid. He stated however, that on
his farm, in the neighborhood of Lemon Fair, and at a place near a
large spring, at every ploughing, he has ploughed up large quanti-
ties of arrow and spear heads, and fragments of the materials of
which they were made, and some broken and imperfect articles ; on
the whole, furnishing evidence of one of the most extensive manu-
factories. He says also, that he has often used pieces of the stone,
of which the articles were made, for gun flints.

Columbus J. BowDisn, Esq., of Weybridge, states, that on his

farm, next north of Mr.* Jewett's, and also on Lemon Fair, and near

a spring", he has often ploughed up arrow and spear heads, and chip-

6

38 iiisTony of addison cou^■Tt.

pings and fragments of the materials of -whicli tliey were composed
furnishing satisfactory evidence, that that was a place where the
relics were manuflictured. He says also, that in ploughing at one
time, his plough hit a stone, at the bottom of the furrow, which
he dug up, and found to be a stone gouge, about a foot long. He
also states, that ho has found on his farm, and in the locality of the
arrow heads, places designed for fires in the Indian huts, which
showed the effects of fire. These resemble those described by
Austin Dana, except that they are made of ledge stone, and raised
a little above the level of the ground.

Mr. Samuel Wright, resides on the farm in Weybridge, between
Otter Creek and Lemon Fair, and at their junction, on which his
father Capt. Silas \Yrigiit, formerly lived, and on which his
brother Hon. Silas Wright, Jun.,* was brought up from his in-
fancy. It is the same farm, on which Thomas Sakford was the
first settler, in 1775, and on which he was captured and carried to
Canada, and imprisoned. Mr. Wright says, that ho has often
found, and ploughed up on the farm, Indian arrovr and spear heads,
some of which v/ere broken, also pestles and other implements. He
ploughed up, in one place, where they had been buried, a collection
of them, consisting of fifteen or twenty articles, some of which he
presented to us. And he says, similar relics are found on all the
neighboring farms. We have a perfect spear head picked up on
the farm of his neighbor, Jehiel Wright, who says that other
relics have often been ploughed up there. He says also, that on the
narrow strij) of hard land, on the border of the streams, formed by
the overflowingeof the water, he has seen evidence of tillage, sucli
as corn hills and potato hills, and that on the neighboring lands are
heaps of stone, which show evidence of being burnt by fire kindled
about them. These he supposes were built for their fire in the huts,
to secure them from being burnt. He states also, that he learned
from Mr. Sanford, that sugar was made by the Indians, in an ex-
tensive forest of maples there, and that their sap troughs were made

*In the largo open ground, in the centre of Weybridge, in front of the Congre-
j^ational church, the friends of Hon. Silas Wright, liave erected a very handsome
iriarble monument, and surrounded it bv an iron fence.

HISTORY OF ADDISON COUNTY. 39

of bircli ])aik. If there is no mistake in this, the sugar, at least,
must have been made on a temporary residence of Indians, during
the Ilcvolutionary war, or -wliilc the French were in possession of
Crown Point. All signs of sugar making, by the original inhabi-
tants, must iiave disappeared.

Hon. Harvey Munsill, of Bristol, at our request has sent u.<j
the following communication :

*' Bkistol, April 22d, 1859.
" Hox. Samcel S^\^FT — Dear Sir .- — As it regards the Indians ever having made
Bristol their perraane;'t place of residence, for any length of time, I cannot say ;
but tliere is strong presumptive evidence tending to shov/, that it has been, at least,
temporarily their residence and hunting ground. For traces of their presence are
marked by their having scattered promiscoiisly over the country many of their
Indian relics, such as the stone axe, grooved gouge, chisel, spear and arrow points,
and some others, the names and uses to us unknown. A stone resembling a rolling
pin, was found several years ago at the southerly part of the town ; and a very
perfect grooved gouge was found by my fxther, in his life time, and since my re-
membrance, which, according to the best of my recollection, was about fifteen
inches in length, whicli was deposited bj' him in the museum in Hartford, Connec-
ticut. Some twelve or fourteen of the specimens, that I left with you, a short
time since, — some perfect and some partly made, — were picked up by me, on my
own premises in Bristol village, within a short distance of each other, that is,
within twenty or twenty-five feet of each other, and from the chips, and broken
fragments of the same kind of stone, I have come to the conclus'on, that they
were made on the spot. I have found many others, within a short distance from
this location, when ploughing, which I have from time to time given away. About
twenty years ago, there were two or three families of Indians, that came from Can-
ada, and stopped a few weeks in the woods, a little north of Bristol village, between
the road loading out of the village north to Monk^on. and the mountain east, and
among them was a very old man, who called himself about ninety-eight years of
age, and who was quite intelligent, and could speak our language so as to make
himself well understood While they were stopping near our village, Capt. Noble
WuxsoN, and Abraham Gaige, two of my nearest neighbors, and myself, visited
tucra for the purpose of making some inquiries respecting the Indian habits and
customs ; and among other inquiries, how the stone spear and arrow points were
made, and where the stone, from which they were made, was obtained. To these
inquiries, he said he could give us no information, for he had no knowledge on the
subject. He also informed us that he had himself used a steel arrow point, made
in the same shape of the stone arrow points, when he was quite young. He said
it had often been a subject of conversation among their people, how the arrow and
spear points were made, but he had never seen any one, who could give any infor-
mation on that subject, not oven that which was traditionary. The stone, which I
left with you, which some call an axe, he said was used for skinning deer and other

40 HISTORY OF ADDISON COUNTY.

game. The old man died very suddenly, while stopping near us, and was buried in
ipur burying ground ; the Ilev. Fr^vncis VVuitnky preached a funeral sermon, and
uU the Indians attended. Respectfully yours,

EARVEY JIUNSILL."

The stone left Avitli us and called by some an axe, is about five
inches long, tv.o -wide, and three fourths of an inch thick, and re-
duced to an edge on one end. "We have several instruments of
the kind, but generally of sm.aller size, and thinner. The relic
which Judge MuNSiLL describes " as resembling a rolling pin,"
Avould Avell serve the use of that household implement, and -vve might
judge it to be designed for that purpose, if we could suppose the Indi-
ans made much use of " pie crust." As their history now is un-
derstood, it has generally been called a pestle. It is a smooth round
stone, tv\'enty inches in length, two and a quarter inches in dianje-
ter in the centre, and tapering slightly toward the ends, which are
rounded. It is now in the possession of the Historical Society of
Middlebury.

While commencing our inquiries on the subject of Indian relics,
we saw in the possession of Justus Cobb, Esq., of the late firm of
Cobb and Mead, an instrument ingeniously wrought, in the shape
of a double hatchet, but the edges on each side were only T.^orked
down to the eighth of an inch. It is five inches long and two wide.
In the centre is a smooth hole obviously designed for a handle, three
fourths of an inch in diameter, and of about the same depth, the
surface of the stone around the hole being swollen accordingly. It
might have been intended to bore the hole thi'ough, or perhaps to
fasten the handle with thongs. This relic, we understood, was
found at the mouth of Otter Creek. Knowing that our friend,
Philip C. Tucker, Esq., is much devoted to similar inquiries, and
believing him to be acquainted with all the discoveries in that neigh-
borhood, we wrote to him for such information as ho might have.
Ilis letter in answer to our request, is dated March 24, 1859, and
encloses a letter from Mr. James Crane, who calls it a " battle axe,"
and says it was picked up by his brother, George F. Crane, at Fort
Cassin, mouth of Otter Creek, ''on the embankment thrown up
during the last war, to prevent the British fleet from ascending to
Vergennos;" that he left it in the hands of Mr. Cobb, and he

HISTORY OF ADDISON COUNTY. 41

adds, "I have picked up many Indian relics at Fort Cassln, and at
other points on Ottev Creek, in the vicinity of the Lower Falls, many
of which are now in possession of I'. C, Tucker, Esq."

The first part of Mr. Tucker's letter, relates to the same subject.
lie then adds : —

" This point appears to have been a place h)ng occupied by the native inhabitants
of this region. JMany arrow heads and some spear heads have been found there,
and •whenever the ground is ploughed, even to this day, it is not uncommon to find
eome things of that kind. Indian implements have been found in Addison, Panton,
Ferrisburgh, Waltham and Vergennes. I have stone arrow heads, spear heads, a
hatchet, a gouge, and some other articles, ivhich I cannot give names to, from those
diflerent towns. Some of the latter, I showed to the celebrated Ojlbway chief, who
■was here several years since, in the hope, that he could enlighten n'C as to their
intended uses. After examining them carcfullj', he observed, that he had never
seen any article like them among the Indians, and could not imagine what they
■were dct^'igntd for.

Among other relics, I have a roughly formed arrov.' head, made of copper. There
B no appearance of any vieLallic tool having been employed in its formation, nnd
jt appears to have been pounded into form with stone. I think it an undoubted an-
tique, and that it was made before the discover}'- of the continent bj- lAiropcans.
It was ploughed up in Ferrisburgh, not more than one and a half miles fruin here,
Bome eighteen or twenty j-ears ago. As no known locality of copper cxit^ts in this
region, it seems difficult to make even a rational guess, as to where the material
for this arrow head came from. I have vome times made a visit to dream land, on
this matter, and fancied, that it originated at Lake Superl r, from the mines of
which I have a specimen of native copper, which any one could readily pound even
with a stone, into this or any other plain form."

" From the mouth of Great Otter Creek, through Ferrisburgh, Panton and Ver-
gennes, to AValtham, say thirteen or fourteen miles, Indian relics exist upon both
banks, and have often been discovered. I doubt not they extend much further,
probably as fir towards the head waters, as comfortable canoe navigation extended.
Many years ago, I think in 1829 or 1830, I had quite a fixvor.able opportunity to
examine one of these localities. At the arsenal ground in this place, some forty
rods below the s'eam boat wharf, there is a bluif of land on the bank of the creek,
a portion of which was ploughed up at the time referred to, fur the purpose of
using the earth to fill the arsenal wharf. While it was loose from the eS'ects of the
plough, a very heavy rain full, and thoroughly drenchsd it, disclosing quite a large
number of arrow lieads, and a great amount of chippings, or fragments, establish-
ing beyond a question, that one manufictorj' of arrow heads, at least, was upon
this identical spot. And a, most lovely spot it must have been too. when that mau-
uficture was going on."

" Perhaps it would not be inappropriate to say a few words about the material
used for arrow and spear heads, aud other relics. The larger portion of tlie .arrow
heads in my possession, are made of that kind of boulder, common upon our lands,

42 IIISTOllY OF ADDI.50N COUNTY.

■which the farmers dignify v.-ith the name of " hard heads," and which is a very
hard silicious rock. Others are made from what I call black jasper, which is not
an uncommon boulder rock in this region. I have one, which I am inclined to call
chlorite ilate, and several which, with my limited knowledge of mineralogy, I do
not assume to name. My best spear head, is of a light colored stone, and is seven
inches long. My hatchet app3ars to be a very fine grained clay blate stone, and is
five inches long. My gouge i8 a fine one, thirteen inches long, and over two inches
wide, at the cutting end, and looks as much like chlorite as any other rock."

' To what uses the hatchets , gouges and spear heads were put. it is very difficult
to say. Certainly the former could have done nothing eftectually w^ith wood, and
tradition, I think, has not told us, that the Indians ever used tlie i--pear as a weapon
of war. Aly own rough impression is, that the spear heads meant fisJi and not
men."

At the time of our first application to Mr, Tucker, a request
■was published in the Vergennes Citizen, that any persons having
information of Indian relics, -would communicate it to him. On the
26th of April, 1859, he wrote us again on the subject, and among
other things says : " The notice in the Citizen^ had no other results
than bringing in a few additional arrow heads. One piece of in-
formation hoAvever, grew out of it, which I believe to be true, that
my copper arrow head, has another of the same metal to match it,
and a far better one." It was ploughed up a few years ago, in
Ferrisburgh ; and, although he has not been able to see it, he says,
" I have no doubt of its existence." In speaking of the Lidian
relics in Bristol, which Judge Muxsill has described, he says, " I
have very reliable information as to the existence of similar relics
in Monkton, and particularly in the region of the pond. Some
thirty years ago. an Indian burying ground was disclosed in that
vicinity, and some four or five skeletons discovered, which were
much talked about at the time, and which I quite well recollect."
Mr. Tucker states also, that about thirty-five years ago, he was
shown on the farm of Kormax Muxson, Esq., in Panton, what was
called an " old Indian fire place," which he thinks '• showed evi-
dence of fire," and he thinks it could not have been made by any
body but Indians.

In the possession of the Historical Society, are a mortar and
pestle, found several years ago, on the farm owned by the late Col.
John' IIackett, on "White River, in Hancock. The pestle is twelve
inches long and two inches in diameter, and undoubtedly of Indian

maimfacturo. The mortar consists of" a stone, eight inches sc^uaro,
ahd eight and a half inches deep. In tlic top is a round smooth
cavity, which constitutes it a mortar, five and a half inches in di-
ameter, and three and a half inches deep. This hollow was prob-
ably wrought bj the Indians, but the shaping of the stone shows
rather evidence of civilized manufacture. Yv'e do not mention either
of these as evidence of a permanent and ancient residence. They
were probably left by the Indians in some of their excursions against
the settlers at the east. The White River Avould form a commodi-
ous route for that purpose.

We have indeed little confidence in any thing, except the articles
composed of stone, and those obviously made on the ground, as evi-
dence of such residence. The forests must have covered and oblit-
erated, and time wasted ail other satisfactory evidence.

Anticipating the very natural inquiry, of what materials these
relics were composed, and where the Indians found them, we
wished, in addition to the information given by Mr. Tucker, relating
to those in his possession, to furnish satisfactory testimony respect-
ing those in our possession. We accordingly requested liev. C. F.
Muzzy, who has made mineralogy, for many years, a prominent
subject of examination and study, to examine the specimens, and give
us the requisite information. Mr. Muzzy, was graduated at Middle-
bury College in 1833, has since been a missionary in Southern In-
dia, and is now on a visit to this country for his health. The fol-
lowing is his reply :

" Hon. S. Swift — Mij Dear Sir : — The uligbt examination I have been able to
make, of those arrow heads and other curiosities, in your possession, has convinced
me, that they are composed of Quartz Rock, Flint or Horn-stone, sometimes called
(Jorneus Limestone, Chlorite Slate, and a species of Feldspathic, or Gianitie Rock,
and that they are found in this vicinity, either in situ, or as eratic bowlders. Of
most, if not all of them, I have found specimens in this town.

Believe me yours, very respectfully.

C. F. MUZZY."

44 HISTORY OF ADDISON OOUNTt.

CHAPTER IV.

FUEXCH settlement in ADDISON county — CONQUEaED BY THE
BRITISU AND THEIR RETREAT GRANTS OE LAND BY THE FRE2^CH.

The first settlement hj Europeans in the County of Addison, "vvas
made bj the French, on the east shore of Lake Champlain. opposite
Crown Point, in pursuance of their plan to extend their settlements,
and fortifications, and set limits to those of the English. In the
year 1730, a few individuals or families, came up the lake from
Canada, and established themselves at Chimney Point, in Addison,
and built a block house and windmill, on the point where the tav-
ern house now stands. The next year troops were sent out and
erected Fort Frederic, on the west side of the lake, now known as
Crown Point. They aftervrards in 1756, built a fort at Ticonder-
oga. Other settlers followed in the train of the army, and prob-
ably most of them were in some way attached to the garrison. Both
the French and English, regarded the control of this lake of great
importance, as one of the most convenient lines of communication
into each other's territory, in the northern part of America. The
British, in the early part of that century, planned several expedi-
tions through the waters of the lake to Canada, for the purpose of
subduing that province to the crown of England, but they uni-
formly failed. After the treaty of Utrecht, in 1713, a season of
peace prevailed, between the English and French, which gave the
French in Canada, an opportunity to improve their condition ; and
when wars afterwards succeeded, they were confined to other dis-
puted territories, on this continent, by which the French Avere ena-
bled to extend themselves in this direction without opposition. But
during the French and Indian war, which commenced in 1755, one
of the principal objects of the British, was to make an effective de-
scent upon Canada, and for that purpose an expedition Avas set on

HIST'JKY OF AKLIdON COU^JTY, 45

foot evory year from the commsnccment of tlic war, to proceed vriUi
a large force through the lake. A disgraceful failure attended tliciu
all, until the expedition under General Amherst, in 1759. These
failures occurred through the ignorance and indiscretion of ministera
at home, or the imbecilitj of the officers entrusted •\vith the com-
mand of the troops. In the year 1758, more efficiency was given
to the Avar by the appointment of Mr. Pitt to the ministry. General
Abelicrombie was that year appointed to command the expedition
against the French forts on Lake Champlain, and prosecuted the
enterprise with more vigor than his predecessors. He advanced asTar
as Ticonderoga, and made a violent assault on the fort ; but meet-
ing with unexpected obstacles, he retreated without taking the place.
In the year 1759, General Amherst, commander in chief of the
Eritish forces in America, took command of the expedition, reached
Ticonderoga, and without much opposition captured the fort there
on the 27th of July, and before he reached Crown Point, the French
garrison had bunit their forts on botli sides and abandoned them.
The settlers also in the neighborhood retreated with the army, and
thus ended the French settlement in the County of Addison.

The French settlers had cleared off the timber alonfr tho
shore of tho lake, three or four miles north of Chimney Point.
Most of it probably hud been used in erecting the forts and other
buildings connected with them, and the cabins of the settlers, and
by the garrisons and families in the neighborhood. This v^'as prob-
ably the extent of the settlement, although the population was
rather thickly crowded together. The cellars and other remains of
numerous huts were found afterwards by the English settlers, scat-
tered over the whole tract, and many of them a,re still seen there.
On the Stsong farm were four, on the Vallance farm three or
four, and on others two or thrce.# The buildings of the French set-
tlers Yv'ere burnt the next year after their retreat, by the IMohawks.
Kal:.ier, the author of an early history, Avhich Hon. Joiix W.
Srong found in Montreal, gives an account of his visit to the place
in 1749. He ^ays, " I found quite a settlement, a stone windmill
and fort, with j&ve or six small cannon mounted, the whole inclosed

by embankments."' The remains ^^' thcje embankment?, surround-

(

46 HrSTJRY OF .M>DISO> CjUNTY.

ing Chimney Point, Ave Lave seen vritliin a few years, and they are
probably still to be seen. Kalmer further says, that, -within the
enclosure, they had a neat little church, and through the settlement
well cultivated gardens, and good fruit, such as apples, plums and
currants. Old apple trees and plum trees, planted by them are
still standing.

The first permanent settlement hy the English in this County,
was on that tract. This clearing and its beautiful location on the
borders of the lake, were the occasion that a prosperous neighbor-
hood was found here earlier than elsewhere, and it was for some
time considered the most eligible place for holding the courts, when
the County was first organized. In the spring of 1765, Zad.jCi:
Everest, David Vallance and one other person came from Con-
necticut, and commenced a clearing on their respective farms, on
which they lived and died, about three miles north of Chimney
Point. They put in some crops and remained until fall. In Sep-
tember, of the same year, John Strokg and Bexjamin Kellogg,
came on by the lake to Crown Point, then in possession of the Brit-
ish. After stopping a day or tvro, they extended their explorations
east and south, and went as far east as Middlebury Falls. \Yhile
on this expedition, they were delayed by a violent storm and swollen
streams for several days, until their provisions were exhausted, and
they were two days without food. When they returned to the lake,
STROXit concluded to settle on the farm on which he resided until
his death, and which is still in the possession of his grandson. Judge
Strong. With the aid of the settlers. Strong erected a log house
around an old French chimney, near the lake. Vallance, in a
similar manner, converted the remains of another French hut into
a tenement, which he afterwards occupied, for some years, with his
family. In the fall they all returned to Connecticut. In February
following, Strong came on with his family, and was the first Eng-
lish settler, it is said, in Western Vermont, north of ^Manchester,
and his fourth son, John Strong, Jun., in June 1765, was the first
English child born north of that place. Everkst and Kellogg,
who were married during the winter, came on with their wives in
the spring, and Vallance also returned with his family the same

niSTOIit OF ADDI30M COUNTY. 47

season. From John W. Stronc. mSntioncd above, we have obtained
many of the above details. His lather's family resided in the house
Tvith his grandfather, and he learned the facts from his grand-
parents, and especially from his grand-mother, who lived to a great
asc, and often amused him in his childhood with the stories of their
early history.

The result of Amherst's expedition was, that on the opening of
the campaign of 1760, Montreal was surrendered to him ; and Que-
bec and every other French post in Canada having been conquered
and captured, the whole province, by the treaty which followed on
the 10th day of February 1703, was surrendered to the British
government.

The French, having had uninterrupted possession of Lake Cham-
plain for nearly thirty years, not only claimed the control of its
waters, but the right to the lands on both sides of it, and made
grants of seigniories to favorite nobles and officers, and of smaller
tracts to others. The grants in the County of Addison were less
numerous than at the north part of the lake. As early as the year
1732, a grant had been made to one Contre Couer, Jun., lying on
both sides and including the mouth of Otter Creek. On the 7th
day of October 1743, a grant was made to " Sieur Hocquart In-
tendant of New France," of a tract " about one league in front by
five leagues in depth, opposite Fort St. Frederic, now Crown Point,
bounded on the west by the lake, east by unconceded lands," north
and south the lines running east and west. And on the first of
April 1745, another grant was made to Hocquart, lying north of
and adjoining the other tract, three leagues in front on Lake Cham-
plain, by five leagues in depth. Both these, making four leagues
on the lake, and five leagues east and west, constituted the " Seign-
iory Hocquart," which extended Hfrom Willow Point, near the south
line of Addison, north, and included the whole of the towns of Ad-
dison and Panton, and is represented on an old English map, as ex-
tending, as it must, some distance beyond Otter Creek, and inclu-
ded iNliddlebury and other lands east of that stream. Soon after
the execution of the treaty, by which the French government sur-
rendered Canada to the British, on the 7th of April 1763, Hoc-

4S HLSTOFwY OF ATjDISON C0U!?TY.

QUART convcjcd his seiguiorj t6 MicriEL CfliRTiEK LoTuixiERE,
As the inhal)itant3 of Canada, by the treaty, became the subjects of
the British government, it was claimed that the grants by the French
government were valid, and siiould be confirmed by the British
government, and Lotbiniere prosecuted his claim perseveringly
before the latter goveenment, from the time of his purchase until
the year 1776, before it was settled.

LoTBiNiERB claimed, as evidence of his title, the "frequent
clearances,"' and "various settlements," on these lands, which the
war had not wholly obliterated ; although it is probable that none of
them were made under the authority of this grant. It is stated by
Governor Trtox of New York, in a letter to Lord Dartmouth,
president of the board of trade and plantations, "that when the
French, on the approach of Sir Jeffhey A:.ieerst, in 1759, aban-
doned Crown Point, there were found no ancient possessions, nor
any improvements worthy of consideration, on either side of the
lake. The chief were in the environs of the fort, and seemed in-
tended mostly for the accommodation of the garrisons."

The lines between the provinces of Quebec and New York, h ad
been settled by the British government on the 20th of July 1764,
at the latitude of 45° on the lake. It was finally decided, that as
the territory south of the River St. Lawrence, including the lands
on Lake Champlain, was owned by the Iroquois, or Five Nations,
and that these tribes, by treaty, had submitted to the sovereignty
and protection of Great Britain, and had been considered subjects,
all the possessions of the French on Lake Champlain, including the
erection of the forts at Crown Point and Ticonderoga, were an in-
trusion and trespass, and of course that government had no right to
make grants there, and therefore the British government denied
the claim of Lotbixiere, as they liid all others, for lands south of
latitute 45°, but consented to give him lands in Canada.

In the meantime, all the lands, which had been granted by the
French government east of Lake Champlain, had been granted
anew by the governor of New Hampshire, in the name of the Brit-
ish crown, and the governor and council of New York had spread
their grants to the reduced officers and soldiers of the arm y, which

HISTORY OF ADDISON COUNTY. 49

had been disbanded after tlie conquest of Canada, on the top of
the New Hampshire grants.

And previous to all these, and many years even before the settle-
ment of the French, in 1696, Godfrey Dellius purchased of the
Mohawks, who claimed the whole of this territory, a large tract of
land extcndinfi; from Saratoo;a alono; both sides of Hudson River and
Wood Creek, and on the east side of Lake Champlain, to twenty
miles north of Crown Point, and the purchase was confirmed under
the great seal of New York; but in 1699, the grant was repealed
by the legislature, '* as an extravagant favor to one subject."

The Mohawks also, on the first day of February 1732, sold to
Col. John Henry Lydius, a large tract of land embracing most of
the Counties of Addison and Rutland. There is a map of this tract
in the possession of Henry Stevens. Esq., President of the State
Historical Society, of which we have a copy, laid out into thirty-
five townships, with the name of each. The southeast corner is at
the sources of Otter Creek, and the northwest at its mouth, and the
territory embraces the whole length of that stream, running diago-
nally through it. Tiie west line — and the east is parallel with it —
is marked as running? from the north, south 16 decrees Avest 58
miles 20 chains. On the back of the map is the following certifi-
cate. "Feb. 2. 1763. A plan of a large tract of land, situated
on Otter Creek, which empties itself into Lake Champlain, in
North America, easterly from and near Crown Point, purchased by
Col. John Henry Lydius, of the MohaAvk Indians, by deed dated
Feb. 1732, and patented and confirmed by his Excellency. Wil-
liam Shirley, Esq., Governor of the Province of Massachusetts
Bay, August 31, 1744, divided into townships, and sold by the said
Lydius, to upwards of two thousand British subjects, chiefly be-
longing to the Colony of Connecticut."

The New York town of Durham, and probably other towns in'
Rutland County, were originally settled under this grant. Two of
the citizens, Jeremiah Spencer and Oliver Colvin, belonging to
that town, in their petition to the General Assembly of New York,
dated October 17, 1778, say, " That the township of Durham was
originally settled by the late inhabitants, under Col. John Lydius:

50 HISTORY OF ADDISON COUNTY.

That discovering the imperfection of their title, they applied to and
obtained letters patent under Xew York. That many of the inhab-
itants (of which your petitioners are) have since been compelled to
purchase the New Hampshire title to their lands, under a penalty
of being turned out of their possessions by a mob."

HlSTUiCY UF ADDISU-X CUUNTT. 61

CHAPTER V.

NEW HAMPSHIRE CIIAllTERS — CONTROVERSY WITH XEW YORK.

Benxing Wextworth was appointed governor of New Ilamp-
shii'c, in 1741, with authority from the King to issue patents of
unoccupied lands within his province. Claiming that that province
extended the same distance west as the provinces of Connecticut and
Massachusetts, that is, to within twenty miles of Hudson River, on
the third day of January 1749, he granted the charter of Benning-
ton, on that line, to which he claimed the province extended, and
six miles north of the line of MassachasetEs. This grant occasioned
a correspondence and mutual remonstrances between the governors
of Now York and New Hampshire, in relation to the rights of their
respective provinces. The governor of New York claim jd and con-
tended, that the grant to the Duke of Y'^ork in the year 1603, which
was confirmed to him in the year 1674, a ter the conquest of the
Dutch in 1673, and extended to the west bank of Connecticut
River, settled the claim of New York.*

Notwithstanding the controversy between the governors of these
two provinces, and the opposition made by New Y^ork, to the i; suing
of grants by New Hampshire, Governor V.'iiN'r.voRTii continued to
grant charters of townships, as applications were made for them.
During the following five years, ficm 1750 to 1754 inclusive, sixteen
townships were chartered, principally on the east side of the moun-
tains. From that time to the year 1761, during the prosecution of
the French war, the territory became a thoioughfare for the excur-
sions of French and Indian scouting parties, and Avas, on ;hat ao-

* Nearly the whole h'story, which we have given of the controversy between the
gov mors of New Hampshire and i-.ew York, and subsequently, between the latter
nnd the Green .'.'ountain Boys, is taken from original docunicnts, in the Documen-
tary Historj- of NeK York.

52 HISTORY OF ADDISON COUNTY.

count, in so disturbed a state, that no grants were made or asked
for. After the conquest of Canada, in the year 1760, and after quiet
and security had been restored to the territory, numerous applications
■were made, and in the year ITG 1 no less than sixty towns were char-
tered. In that year, all the towns in the County of Addison w ero
chartered, except as follows : Ferrisburgh, Monkton and Pocock,
now Bristol, were chartered in 1762, Orwell, and Whiting, in
Auf'ust 1763. and Panton, was re-chartered on the 3d of November
1764. And this was the last charter granted by the governor of Kew
Hampshire, within the territory. The whole number of charters
of towns granted by him in this State, is one hundred and thirty-
one, besides several others to individuals.

Lieut. Governor Colden' of Kew York, disturbed and alarmed by
the great number of grants made by New Hampshire, issued his
proclama^tion on the 28th day of December 1763, warning all pei*-
sons against purchasing lands under those grants, and requiring all
civil Oificers ' to continue to exercise jurisdiction in their respective
functions, as far as to the banks of Connecticut River," and enjoin-
ing the sheriff of Albany to retur n to him " the names of all and
every person or persons, who under the grants of New Hampshire,
do or shall hold possession of any lands westward of Connecticut
River, that they may be proceeded against according to law."

On the 19th of March, 1764, the governor of New Hampshire,
issued a counter proclamation, in which he contends, '• that the
patent to the Duke of York is obsolete, and cannot convey any cer-
tain boundary to New Y'ork, that can be claimed as a boundary, as
plainly appears by the several boundary lines of the Jerseys on the
Avcst, and the colony of Connecticut on the east," and encourages
the grantees under New Hampshire, " to be industrious in clearing
and cultivating their lands," and commands "all civil officers to
continue and be diligent in exercising jurisdiction in their respective
offices, as far westward as grants of land have been made by this
government, and to deal Avith any person or persons that may pre-
sume to interrupt the inhabitants or settlers on said lands, as to law
and justice doth appertain."

At an eai-ly period of the controversy, and soon after the first

iiiSTOiiY ov Ai;insoN county. 53

grant 7.a3 made bj Ingw Hampshire, it was agreed by the gover-
nors of the two provinces, to refer the question in dispute to the
king; but no decision had .jet been made. The Icing had. on the 7th
of October 1763, issued a proclamation in behalf of the reduced
oiBcers and privates of the lately disbanded army, directing bounty
lands to be granted them. In view of this order, and the great
number of grants made by New Hampshire, in the disputed terri-
tory, Governor Colden, about the time of issuing his proclamation,
above mentioned, wrote several pressing letters to the board of trade
in England, insisting on the grant to the Duke of York, as conclu-
sive of the right of New Y ork^ and urging a speedy decision of the
question. In his letter of the 6th of February 1764, he represents,
that great numbers of the oiScers and soldiers had applied to him
i'or grants ; and in his letter of the 12th of April, of the same year,
he savS, " o.bout four hundred reduced officers and disbanded sol-
diers, have already applied to mc for lands, pursuant to his Majesty's
proclamation, T.hich at this time are to be surveyed for them in that
]wrt claimed by New Hampshire. Your lordships will perceive the
necessity of determining the claim of New Hampshire speedily."
It was charged also, at the time by the claimants under New Ham.p-
shire, and stated by historians of that period, — on what authority
we know not, — that a petition, with forged signatures of many of
liie New Hampshire settlers, was sent with the governor's letters to
England, requesting that the territory should be annexed to New
York. In the public remonstrances of the New Hampshire claim-
ants, conjectures were expressed, that there v.-ere '-more or less
wrong representations made to his majesty to obtain the jurisdiction,"
and that his " majesty and ministers of State had been egregiously
misinformed." However that may be, in pursuance of the urgent
solicitations of Governor Coldex, the king in council, on the 20Lh
day of July, 1764, without notice to the opposite party, adopted an
order, settling the west bank of Connecticut River as the boundary
of the two provinces.

The only charter of which we have knowledge, as being i.ssued,
by the governor of New Hampshire, after the king's order, was that
of Panton. r=: hereforp mentioned, dnted November 3. 1764. whirh

/

54 HISTORY OF ADDISON COUNTY.

was before notice of the order had been received in this country,
that not arriving until the following spring. On the receipt of the
order, Governor Wentworth, as well as the governor of New
York, issued his proclamation, giving notice to all persons concerned,
of the decision of the King in council, fixing the boundary. And
in all his subsequent transactions, he seems to have acquiesced in
the decision, and recognized the jurisdiction of Kew York over the
territory. The claimants under New Hampshire expressed no op-
position to that jurisdiction at the time, not suspecting that the titles,
which they had derived from the British government through one
agent, and had paid for, would be superceded by grants from the
same authority, through another agent, and that, under these cir-
cumstances, they should be compelled to re-purchase their lands,
under much more oppressive conditions, in order to hold them.

And such would seem to have been the views of the British gov-
ernment at home. The order in council settling the boundary doe's
not seem to be a decision, as to what had been or legally was the
boundary, but it says, the King " doth hereby order and declare
the western banks of the river Connecticut," " to be the boundary
line between the said two provinces." On the 11th of April 1767,
Lord SiiELBURNE, president of the board of trade, wrote to Gover-
nor MooiiE, of New York, reciting that two petitions had been pre-
sented to the King, '• one by the Society for the Propagation of the
Gospel, and .the other by Samuel Robinson, in behalf of himself
and more than one thousand other grantees,"' says, •' In my letter
of the 11th of December, I vras very explicit upon point of former
grants ; you are therein directed to take care, that the inhabitants
lying vfestward of the line, reported by the Lords of Trade, as the
boundaries of the two provinces, be not molested, on account of ter-
ritorial dificrencee, or disputed jurisdiction ; for v.hatever province
the settlers may belong to, it should make no dilTerence in their
property, provided their titles to their lands should be found good
in other respects, or that they have been long in uninterrupted pos-
session of them." And he adds, " the unreasonableness of obli "-in o- a
very large tract of country to pay a second time the immense sum
of thirty tliree thousand pounds in frcs, according to the allegation

UISTOllY OF ADDISON COUNTY. 55

of this petition, for no other reason than its being found necessary
to settle the line of boundary between the colonies in question, is so
unjustifiable, that his majesty is not only determined to have the
strictest inquiry made into the circumstances of the charge, but
expects the clearest and fullest answer to every part of it."

On the 24th of July 1767, the King in council, adopted an order
on the subiect. This order, after reciting at length the report " of
the committee of council for plantation affairs," says " His Majesty,
"with the advice of his privy council, doth hereby strictly charge,
•require and command, that the governor of New York, for the time
being, do not (upon pain of His Majesty's highest displeasure) pre-
sume to make any grant whatever, of any part of the lands de-
scribed in said report, until His Majesty's further pleasure shall be
known concerning the same."

While the controversy was pending between the two governments,
and before the King's order settling the boundary was known, a
collision arose out of it in Pownal. But the fticts in the case pre-
sented a different question from that, which so extensively prevailed
afterwards among other patents granted by New York. One called
the Hoosick patent was granted as early as 1688. The charter of
Pownal, when granted by New Hampshire, included part of this
patent ; and the New Hampshire grantees claimed possession of
certain lands, on which several Dutch families had settled under the
Hoosick patent. In August 1764, the sheriff of Albany, in pur-
suance of the proclamation of Governor Golden, before mentioned,
hearing that the New Hampshire claimants had dispossessed several
of the Dutch families, and were about to drive off others, went in
pursuit, taking with him " two of the justices and a few other good
people," and arrested '' Samuel Ashley, wbo called himself a
deputy, Samuel Robinson, a justice of the peace," and others,
who claimed the land, and committed them to the jail in Albany.
But they were afterwards bailed and not further prosecuted. Gov-
ernor Wentworth being informed of this transaction, wrote to
Governor Golden, remonstrating against it, and requesting him to
release the prisoners. To which the governor, with the advice of
the council, replied, that as the offence was committed " wittiin the

56 lliiiJitl or ADDISOX OOUNTY.

undoubted jurisdiction of New York, he could do no further therein,
than to recommend that the bail be moderate," and added that the
controversy respecting the boundary "already lies with His Majesty."

As soon as the boundary vras settled by the king's order, a large
number of grants were m.adc by the governor of New York, to re-
duced officers and disbanded soldiers, and others, who made appli-
cation for them, and soon extended over nearly the whole territory
chartered by New Hampshire. The valleys of Lake Champlain
and Otter Creek, were granted principally to reduced officers, and
a large territory, north of Addison County, was reserved for non-.
commissioned officers and soldiers. A small tract was also reserved
for them in the County of Addison, near the bend of the creek in
Weybridge and New Haven, and perhaps some contiguous territory.

x\t first the governor and council of New York, seemed desirous
to encourage actual settlers under the New Hampshire grants to
take out new charters under New York, in confirmation of their
former titles. On the 22d of May 1765, the following order was
adopted :

" The council taking into consideration the case of those persons,
who are actually settled on the grants of the governor of New
Hampshire, and that the dispossessing of such persons might bo
ruinous to themselves and their families, is of opinion, and it is ac-
cordingly ordered by his Honor, the Lieutenant Governor, with the
advice of the council, that the surveyor general do not, until fur-
ther order made, return on any warrant of survey, already or which
may hereafter come to his hands, of any lands so actually possessed
under such grants, unless for the persons in actual possession thereof
as aforesaid."

Another order was adopted, July 11, 1766, by which it was
ordered, that all persons holding or claiming lands under " the New
Hampshire grants, do as soon as may be, appear by themselves or
their attorneys, and produce the same, together with all deeds, con-
veyances, or other instruments, by which they derive any title or
claim to said lands, before his Excellency in council, and the claim
of such person or persons, which shall not aj-jpear as aforesaid, with-
in the space of three months from the date hereof be rejected."

KldTORY Oh' ADDISON COUNTY. 67

In pursuance of* these orders, several individuals in the tov.-n3
west of the mountains, made application for a confirmation of their
New Hampshire titles ; but much larger numbers, and nearly all
in some towns cast of the mountains, took confirmations of their
titles from New York. We have no documents which enable us to
ascertain the number or dates of the grants made, from the time of
the order establishing the boundary to that which forbid further
grants. It seems there was some delay on account of the stamp act
then in force, the governor being " determined not to issue any
papers except such as were stamped," and " the people refusing to
take them on that condition ;" "of course the offices were shut up,"
as represented by Governor Moore, in his letter of the 9th of Juno
1767, in answer to Lord Siieleurxe's letter above mentioned. But
he adds, " No sooner was the stamp act repealed and the offices
opened again, but petitions were preferred, by many of the inhabi-
tants here for grants of land lying on Connecticut River." Again,
refering to the order limiting the time for making application, he
says, ' • This had the desired efiect, and in a few months, petitions,
memorials, &c., Averc lodged by persons sent up from thence, setting
up claims to ninety-six townships."

Petitions had been sent up from the towns east of the mountains,
for establishing one or more counties in the territory, and on the
22d of October 1765, the committee made a report to the governor
and council, that, on account of the state of the country, it was in-
expedient to establish counties, but they recommended to the gover-
nor to ' ' appoint a competent number of fit persons for conservation
of the peace and administration of justice in that part of the prov-
ince." And on the 11th day of July 17G6, an ordinance was
adopted," for establishing a court of common pleas and a court of
general sessions of the peace," and judges and other officers wero
appointed. On the 19th of March 17G8 " a large tract of land
containing forty townships," was by letters patent '' erected into
a County by the name of the County of Cumberland." This
County was bounded east by Connecticut River, south by INIassa-
chusetts, west by the highest part of the Green Mountain, and
north by the same, or nearly the same, line which divides the present

fj8 HISTOKY OF ADDISOX COUNTT.

Counties of '.Vindsor and Orange. On the 23d of December 1772,
it was ordered, that writs issue for the election of two representa-
tives to the general assembly from that County.

On the 16th of March 1770, all the territory east of the moun-
tains, and north of the County of Cumberland, was formed into a
County, by the name of Gloucester, and the usual county officers
were appointed. Soon after the territory west of the mountains,
and north of the north lines of the towns of Sunderland and Arling-
ton, and embracing considerable territory also west of the lake, was
established as a County by the name of Charlotte ; and the re-
mainder of the New Hampshire Grants was embraced in the County
of Albany. Previous to this division into counties, the whole terri-
tory was regarded as belonging to the County of Albany, and jus-
tices of the peace, and other officers of that County, exercised
authority in that territory. By order of the governor and council,
September 8, 1773, an ordiance was issued establishing courts, to
be held in the County of Charlotte annually, " at the house of
Patrick Smith, Esq., near Fort Edward."

The order of the king in council, staying further grants of land,
seems not to have been very satisfactory to Governor Moore, but
he and his successors professed to regulate their proceedings by it,
and applications were frequently made by succeeding governors to
the board of trade, urging that the order might be rescinded. But
the board of trade, instead of rescinding it, complain that the gov-
ernor of New York " had taken upon him," contrary to the instruc-
tions, " to pass patents of confirmation of several of the townships,"
and had "also made other grants of lands within the same."

iiiiJTouy or addison county. &9

CHAPTER VI.

OPPOSITION WEST OF THE MOUNTAIN — NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE
INIIADITANT3 OF BENNINGTON — AFFAIR AT WALLOOMSIC — CAP-
TURE AND TRIAL OF IIOUGII — COL. KEED'S CLAIM — CAPTAIN
WUOSTER'S GRANT — DUNMORE'S GRANT.

While a considerable portion of the settlers on the east side of
the mountain, seemed thus inclined to submit to the claims of New
York, and accept confirmations of their charters, nearly all on the
west side refused to take such confirmations under the governors
proclamation, with "a quit rent of half a crown or two and sixpence
sterlincr.'' for each hundred acres, and with the exhorbitant fees of
the governor and other officers concerned in completing the titlcSj
■which it is said, amounted to one or two thousand dollars for each
charter. And the controversy with New York was transferred from
the governor of New Hampshire, to the claimants under his grants.
These chose, rather than submit to tlie terms required, and pay for
their charters a second time, under less lavorable conditions, to de-
fend the titles they had in such way as they must ; and accordingly
made their preparations for that purpose. They proceeded to
organize the several towns and appointed the requisite officers, and so
far as their circumstances allowed, adopted the laws of New Hamp-
shire ; but, being without any established government or law, where
their peculiar circumstances required, they became " a law unto
themselves." To be the better prepared for the impending cricis,
the several towns west of the mountains appointed committees of
safety, and these occasionally met in convention, to consult for the
general defence. For this purpose they organized a military force,
" of which Ethan Allen was appointed Colonel Commandant, and
Seth Warner, Remembrance Baker, Robert Cockran and
other.'; -rere appointed captains."' Under these leaders every ab^e

CO nrsTOuy of aldiso> county.

bodied man stood ready, when called on, to enter tUo service. Tliug
organiEcd they -waged an exterminating Avar against all settlers,
under a Kcw York title, on lands •which -were claimed under a
New Hampshire grant, and against all persons acting officially with-
in the territory, under the laws of the former State. All rights
and powers, claimed under the authority of that State were denied
and resisted. If surveyors were sent to survey lands granted under
that author itj-, they were met by a competent force and expelled
from the territory. If justices of the peace, or constables living in
tJie territory, who had taken office under the government of New
York, attempted to discharge their several duties, or otherwise in-
terested themselves in favor of that government, the leaders with a
com,petent force visited and arrested them, and having administered
sufficient punishment, banished them fi'om the territory. If any
man, claiming title under that State settled himself down in his hut
on lands claimed by the " Green Mountain Boys," they appeared
on the ground, and, if he hesitated to relinquish his claim, leveled
Ills cabin to the ground, desolated his land and crops, and left him
and his family, houseless and destitute, to seek a shelter Avhere else
he miglit. No sheriff or other officer vras permitted to serve process
from the courts of Albany. If by any m.eans writs of ejectment
had been served, as was the case in the early state of the contest,
and judgments obtained in the courts at Albany, or if. any of tho
active agents, in defence of their claims, had been indicted as riot-
ers, and the sheriff had been sent, with the posse comilaius, to ex-
ecute the writs of possession, or aiTCst the rioters, he was set at
defiance by a superior force and prevented from serving his process.
The inhal>itants called out from the neighboring towns in New Y^'ork,
to constitute a.^ posse, Avere too little hiclincd to use force against the
Green ^Mountain Boys, to be relied on, and generally fled before
they came to close quarters, and left the sheriff, with his few friends
from Albany to fight the battles. At a general meeting of the
committees at Arlington, in March 1T74, it Avas, among other things,
resolved, '• That as a country, Ave Avill stand by and defend our
friends and neighbors so indicted, (as rioters) at the expense of our
iiA'os and fortune?."'

ifl.STOUV OF ADDISON tOt'XTY. 61

The claimants under New Hampshire, were not permitted, in
the Courts of New York, to give their grants in evidence in defence
of their claims. The Green IMountain Bojs therefore, decided to
make no further defence there, but to defend themselves, as they
might, by force. Whenever the leaders chose to give their proceed-
ings the forms of law, they established a court among themselves,
and constituted themselves the triers, as wxdl as complainants and
executive officers, and passed and executed their own sentence.

"While these proceedings were going on in the " New Hampshire
Grants," the friends of Nev/ York were constantly plying the gov-
ernor and council and legislature of that State for relief by com-
plaints, petitions and remonstrances, accompanied with affidavits to
sustain them, while the cfovernment looked on with amazement and
were puzzled to find means adequate for a remedy. The "Ben-
nington JNIob," as they were called, had not only inspired the
"Yorkers" in the territory with terror and dismay, but satisfied
the New Y'ork government, that the means within their control
were insufficient to meet the force brought against them. On the
19th of May, 1772, Governor Tryon of New Y^ork wrote a letter
to Rev. William Dewey, minister of Bennington, and other in-
habitants of that place and vicinity, inviting them to lay before the
government " the causes of their illegal proceedings," and request-
ing them to appoint ]Mr. Dewey and certain others, as agents to
lay their grievances before the governor and council, and giving
assurance of "full protection to any persons they should choose,"
" except Robert Cochran, as also Allen, Baker and Sevil, men-
tioned in his proclamation of the 9tli of December last, and Seth
Warner, whose audacious behavior to a civil magistrate has sub-
jected him to the penalties of the laws of his country."

Stephen Fay and his son Dr. Jonas Fay were appointed agents,

and by them was sent a general answer to Gov. Tryon 's letter, dated

June 5, 1772, explaining the grounds of their grievances, signed

by ]\Ir. Dewey and others ; and of the same date a more detailed

reply, in explanation of their proceedings, signed by Ethan Allen,

Seth Warned, Remembrance Baker and Robert Cochran,

These letters were laid by the governor before the council and rcfcr-

0

62' nioTORY or ADI>I:^ON COUX'IT.

red toa.comniltteQ, who recommended that the governor "should
afford the inhabitants of those townships all the relief in his power,
bj suspending, until his Majesty's pleasure should be known, all
prosecutions in behalf of the crown, on account of the crimes with
which they stand charged l^y the depositions before us, and to re-
commend to the owners of the contested lands, under grants of this
province, to put a stop during the same period to all civil suits con-
cernincf the lands in question." This recommendation was adopted
by the council, and when communicated, through the agents, to
the people of Bennington and vicinity, was received with enthusi-
asm and accepted by them as entirely satisfactory. But this prom-
ise of peace was soon disturbed and the controversy was renevred

and prosecuted as fiercely as ever.

The governor of New York, with the advice of the council,

issued one proclamation after another, offering large rewards for the
apprehension of Allex, Baker, Warner, Coceran, and other riot-
ers to no purpose. To as little purpose the legislature passed severe
resolutions; and on the 9th of March, 1774, a law, which, for its
savageness, has no superior in the legislation of any civilized com-
munity. Referring to the riots which had taken place in the
counties of Albany and Charlotte, by certain of the leaders, naming
Ethan Allen and others, it enacts, among other provisions, that
" as often as either of the above named persons, or any other person
shall be indicted in either of the counties aforesaid, for any offence
perpetrated after the passing of this act, made capital by this or
any other law," the governor is authorized "to make his order in
council, requiring and commanding such offender or offenders to
surrender themselves respectively, within the space of seventy days
next after the fii'st publication thereof," "to one of his Majesty's
justices of the peace for either of said counties respectively, who
are hereby required to commit them without bail or mainprize,"
to the jail in New York or Albany. "And in case the said offend-
ers shall not respectively surrender themselves pursuant to such
order," "he or they shall from the day to be appointed for his or
their surrendry, as aforesaid, be adjudged and deemed to be con-
victed and attainted of felony, by verdict and judgment without
benefit of clergy."

HISTORY OF ADDI;30N COUNTY. 63

-(jovernor Tryon had before that, on the 31st of August, 1773,
called on Gen. Haldimand, commander of the British forces, for
a sufficient number of regular troops to quell the riots, and after-
wards, September 1, 1774, a similar application •was made to Gen.
Gage, both of which were declined. Application was also made to
the home government for regular troops and declined.

The first open and forcible collision, arising out of this contro-
vcrsj, subsequent to the occurrence of the Iloosick patent, as meii-
tioued above, occurred on the Walloomsic patent. This patent was
granted to James Delancy, Gerardus Stuyvesant and others,
July 15, 1739, about ten years previous to the first charter granted
by New Hampshire, and was the field on which Bennington battle
was fought, August IG, 1777. The charters of Bennington and
Shaftsbury covered a part of this tract, and the farm of James
Breckenridge was laid on this interfering territory. " Commis-
sioners and a surveyor were appointed to make partition of certain
lots," on this tract, "for the more effectual collecting of his Majes-
ty's quit rents." Lieut. Governor Golden in his proclamation of
December 12, 17G9, states that "the said commissioners, being
employed in surveying the said lots, were on the 19th day oi'
October last past, interrupted and opposed by a number of armed
men, tumultuously and riotously assembled for the declared pur-
pose of preventing the said partition, who by open force compelled
the commissionors and surveyor to desist from their survey, and
by insults and menaces, so intimidated the said commissioners,
that, apprehensive for the safety of their persons, they found it
necessary to relinquish any further attempt to perform their trust,"
and represents "that James Breckenridge, Jedidiah Due,
Samuel K,obinson and three others were among' the principal authors
and a,ctors in the said riot," and commands and requires the sheriff
of Al])any to apprehend and commit "the before named rioters
and offenders," and if necessary to take the posse romitatus.
Breckenridge and Robinson, in their affidavit, deny that they
resisted the surveyor, but say "a few more people assembled, a
few of which had guns ;" that they "forbid their running, for we
held our lands by our New Hampshire charters," "and if they run,

64 HISTORY OF ADDISOX COUXTV.

they must run it as disputed lands." Yfliateve]' the facts were, the
commissioners and surveyor quit the premises.

Actions of ejectment Avere soon after commenced against Breck-
EXRlUGE and eight others, whose land had been granted to reduced
oificers and others, and at the succeeding term of the circuit court
at Albany, judgments were obtained against him and three others.
It is said " that Brvckexridgl: made no defence, being within
twenty miles of Hudson's River:" but more probably because his
land was included in the Vrnlloomsic patent, granted prior to the
charter of Bennington.

From the result of these legal proceedings, " It was hoped that
the riotous spirit would subside," and commissioners were again
sent to make partition of the patent, who made complaint, that "on
the 20th of September they were again opposed and prevented
from effecting said partition by a riotous and tumultuous body of
men,'' '-amono- ^vhom was Silas Robinson," and three others
named. And thereupon Governor Duxmore issued anew proclama-
tion for the apprehension of the rioters. The sheriff afterwards
reported, that in obedience to the proclamation, he had arrested
Silas RoBixsox, one of the rioters; and thereupon the governor
and council made an order directing the attorney general to prose-
cute him. He was afterwards bailed but never tried.

The following case, among numerous others which we might re-
cord, will illustrate the character of the proceedings of the " Green
Mountain Boys," or at least show how they were regarded and
represented by the " Yorkers." Bexjamix Hough, who repre-
sented himself as an " Anabaptist preacher of the gospel," resided
in Socialborougli, a New York town on Otter Creek, embracing
the whole or a part of each of the towns of Clarendon and Rut-
land, had accepted a commission of justice of the peace, and was
an active friend of New York. In March, 1775, he preferred his
petition to Governor Tryox', stating his sufferings, and praying for
relief, accompanied by his own affidavit, and those of other per-
sons to sustain his petition. In his own affidavit he states, among
other things, " that he was attacked by about thirty persons, a
number of >vhom were armed with fifelocks, swords and hatchets,

HISTORY OF ADDISON COUXTY. 05

"was seized and canJcd a pri.soncr to Sunderland," wlicrc he ^\■ai
kept in custody until they sent to Bennington " for Ethan Ai.lk ;
and Seth Warner;" that on the oOth day of January 1775,
" the rioters appointed a court for the trial of this deponent, -which
consisted of the following persons, to wit : Ethan Allen, Robert
Cochran" and four others, "and they being seated, ordered this
dcDonent to be broudit before them;" "that Ethan Allen' laid
the three following accusations to the charge of this deponent, to
Avit : 1. This deponent had complained to the government of New
York of their (the rioters) mobbing and injuring Benjajux Spen-
CEii and others: 2. That the deponent had dissuaded and discoura-
ged the people from joining the mob in their proceedings ; and
Svdly, That the deponent had taken a commission of the peace un-
der the government of New York, and exercised his ofnce, as a
magistrate in the County of Charlotte, alledging that this deponent
well knew, that they (the mob) did not allow of any magistrate
there :" that the iudges having consulted together for some time,
Ethan Allien pronounced the following sentence, which he read
from a paper, Avhich he held in his hand, to Avit : ' • That he should
be tied up to a tree and receive tv/o hundred lashes, on the naked
back, and then, as soon as he should be able, should depart the New
Hampshire Grants, and not return again, upon pain of five hundred
lashes." After the execution of this sentence, Allen and Warne;;
gave a certificate, that he had ■'• received a full punishment for his
crimes," and the inhabitants were directed to give him '• a free and
unmolested passport toward the city of New Y^ork," " he behaving
as bccometh."

Bat not to trespass further upon the province of State history,
in detailing the incidents of this controversy, we add only a few,
Avhich occurred Avithin the limits of the County.

Colonel Reid, of a Royal liighland regiment, had received from
the government of New Y'^ork a grant of land, as a reduced, or half
pay officer, on Otter Creek, including the falls at Vergennes, Avhose
tenants had been dispossessed, in August 1772, by Ira Allen and
others. This occurred, while the agents, who had been appointed
by the inhabitants of Bennington, at the request of GoA^ernor Trvon,

66 HISTORY or ADDISON COUNTY.

as stated in a former page, were in a negotiation with tlio governor
and council, which resulted in the conciliatory measure by them
adopted. This proceeding, when it came to the knowledge of Gov-
ernor TiiYON, so irritated him that he wrote a severe letter to the
" inhabitants of Bennington and the adjacent country," charging
them with a " breach of f;iith and honor, made by a body of your
people in dispossessing several settlers on Otter Creek," at the very
time the negotiations Avere going on, and requiring their " assistance
in putting forthwith those families, who have been dispossessed,
into re-possession of the lands and tenements."

The following is the substance of the ansv.-or of the committees
of " Bennington, and the adjacent country " to this k-tter, signed
by Ethan Allen, clerk, on the 25th of August 1772, in explana-
tion of the proceedings complained of The people, Iiaving noticed, ,
that " ]Mr. CoCKBUax, a noted surveyor," had taken " a tour to the
northerly parts of the New Hampshire Grants," (on Onion River)
'• to survey and make locations on lands," which had been granted
l)y New Hampshire, " rallied a small party and pursued and over-
t )ok him and his party, and in their pursuit, passed the towns of
Panton and New Haven, near the mouth of Otter Creek, dispos-
sessed Col. Reid of a saw mill in said Panton, which by force,"
and without right, " he had taken from the original owners more
than three years before, and did, at the same time, extend his.
force, terrors and threats into the town of New Haven," " who so
terrified the inhabitants, (which were about twelve in number) that
they left their possessions and farms to the conquerors^ and escaped
with the skin of their teeth." " Col. Reid, at the same time, and
with the same force, did take possession of one hundred and thirty
saw logs, and fourteen thousand feet of pine boards," and converted
them to their own use. In 1769, a, man by the name of Pang-
born, built there a saw mill, and a few claimants under the New
Hampshire grant, were in possession of the lands in that year.
After they were driven off, Reid's men built a grist mill. The
committees also deny, that there v/as any breach of faith, as the
result of the negotiations between Governor Tryon and the dele-
gates from Bennington was not known at the time, and the agents

UI.iTOKY OF A1»1)1SJN CUUNTT. 07

Sterc not aiUlioiizeJ to complete any arrangements, so as to be bind-
ing on the people of the Grants, until ratified by them. They also
promptly refused to obey the governor's rccjuisition to afford assis-
tance in restoring Col. RiiiD's men to the possession of the lands.
And thus ended the result of the negotiations for conciliatory meas-
ures between the parties in 1772.

The latter part of June, or the fore part of July 1773, Col.
Reid, engaged several Scotch immigrants, lately arrived at New
York, to settle on his lands, of -which he -had been dispossessed, as
above mentioned, and went Avith them to Otter Creek. On entering
upon the iTinds. they found several persons settled on them, claiming
title under the New Hampshire charters. One of them was Joshua
Hyde, who afterwards removed to Middlebury, and settled in the
south part of that toAvu. Col. Reid, in some way, got rid of these
tenants, and entered into possession of the mill and lands claimed
by him. The Green Mountain Boj^s, learning this fact, Allen,
"Warner and BAKiiK, with a strong force, consisting, as represented
by the Scotch tenants, of more than one hundred men well armed,
marched for Otter Creek, and on the 11th day of August, appeared
on the ground, drove off the Scotchmen, burnt their houses and
other buildings, tore doAvn the mill, Avhich, it Avas said. Col. Reid
had lately built, broke the mill stones in pieces and threw them
down the falls. John Cameron, one of the Scotch tenants, in his
affidavit, as to the manner in which they Avent into possession under
Col. Reid, states, " That the persons" (the tenants in possession)
"did agree voluntarily, to remove from Col. Reid's land, till the
King's pleasure should be knoAvn, provided Col. Reid Avould pur-
chase their whole crops then on the ground, that they might not
lose their labor, Avhich Col. Reid consented to, and paid them the
full value for it accordingly." The affidavit also states, "That the de-
ponent Avas much surprised to see, among the rioters, Joshua Hyde,
one of the three men, who had entered into a written obligation
with Col. Reid, not to return again, and to Avhom Col. Reid, on
that account, had paid a sum of money for his crops." *

* Mr. Thompson, ia his history of Vermont, in stating this transaction, eays
nothing about the voluntary removal of the New Hampshire claimants, and a

G8 HISTORY OF ADDISON COUNTY,

A tract of " three thousand acres of land on the east hank of
Lake Charaplain, Avithin a mile and a quarter of the fort there,''
■was granted under the great seal of the Province of New York, " to
David 'rVuoSTER, f of New Haven, in the Colony of Connecticut,
Esquire, being a captain on half paj, reduced from His Majesty's
fiifty-first regiment." This tract was in the north part of Addison
and probably extended into a part of Pant9n. In his deposition
laid before the governor and council, dated February 20, 1773, he
states, among other things, that " on visiting these lands t he found
five families, which had then lately settled," " some of them, pre-
tending to have no right at all, promised to leave said lands. Tlie
others the deponent then served ejectments on, which issued out of
the inferior court of -common pleas of Albany. Whereupon they
also submitted, and desired the deponent to give them leases of part
of said lands, which this deponent consented to ; gave them per-
mission to i-emain on the lands, acknowledging him to be their land-
lord, until it was convenient for him to return and give them leases
in form." He states also, " that in the month of September pre-
ceding, he went to his lands in order to give leases to the settlers,"
and " that upon the deponent's arrival on his lands, the settlers
thereon and others, collected together in a body, about thirteen in
number; when the deponent offered those who had settled on his

promise not to return on being paid for their crops, but says, " On their arrival,
the New Hampshire settlers Avere a second time compelled to abandon the place.
Rev. Dr. Merrill, in preparing his history' of Midllobury, obtained from Hyde's
family, after his decease, also a diflerent account of the manner in which he was
dispossessed of his farm. This states, that he was arrested and made his escape,
and gent back word to Col. Reid, that, if he was allowed to depart in jDeace, he
would never comeback to his land, and soon after sold it, and the purchaser took
possession. Hyde, on his way to Connecticut after his expulsion, met Allen's
company at Sudbury and returned with him.

t This Captain David Woostee, at the commencement of the revolutionary war
was appointed by the legislature of Connecticut a major general of the ti-oops of
that State. Being at home in New Haven in April, 1777, when the British troops
came up the sound and burned the town of Danbury, he volunteered and joined
the troops suddenly raised to oppose them, and wliile rallying the troops under his
command, received a mortal wound, of which he soon died.

t This first visit was in 1767 or 17G8.

iiijTOHY or .'.I'.dison couxtt. (i?

lands, leases, which they absolutely remscd to accept, on any terms
■whatever; but declared that they -would support themselves there
by force of arms, and that they would spill their blood before they
would leave the said lands.'"' Whereupon, " being well armed with
pistols," he "proceeded to serve two deciarations in ejectment on
two principal ringleaders," "notwithstanding they continued their
firelocks presented against him during the wholo time ; that after
the deponent had served the said ejectments, they declared with one
voice, that they would not attend any court in the Province of New
York, nor would be concluded hy any law of Nev>- York respecting
their lands."

xVmong other grants by New York, vntbin the present limits of
Addison countv. a considerable ti-act of land vras granted or re-
served to the Earl of Dunmorc, wLo was governor of that State in
ITTO and 1771, embracing, as it appears by an ancient map, the
tovai of Leicester and at least a part of Salisbury, from Otter
Creek to the Green ^Mountains, and including the lake which still
bears his name. On the borders of this beautiful lake, and in the
midst of the romantic scenery which surrounds it, a large establish-
ment has been recently built, as a retreat for the accommodation of
summer visitors, and for the resort of plea,3ure parties at other sea-
sons, by an incorporated association, chiefly under the super intend-
ance of the late Edward D. BAUBiiE, Esq. The establishment
has since been purchased by a company of southern gentlemen,
■who are still enlarging and ornamenting it, intending to make it a
summer residence for themselves and a large number of others.

While the question was pending in 1772, as to the location of

the public buildings for the county of Charlotte, Lord Dunmore's

land was proposed for that purpose, especially for ihe reason that it

was as central at that time as the state of the population would

allow, and because it was near Crown Point, where military aid

could be obtained to quell riots of the disaffected, if necessary.

Lord Ddnmore offered, that if his lands were fixed on, he would

"most cheerfully build a court house or other buildings, which

may be thought requisite."

10

70 inbT(,>KY OF ADIil.-^OX CUl-NTY.-

CHAPTER YII.

EFFECTS OF THE WAR AND THE CECLAEaTION OF INDEPENEENCK

ON THE Controversy — conclusion of ins controversy.

It was -well, probably, for the contending parties, that the com-
mencement of the rcYolutionarj war opened a new field and pre-
sented a new object for their efforts and anxieties, and checked the
asperitj of the controversy and the violence of the collisions.
The controversy, which in the outset, was sufficiently complicated,
had become more and more entangled and hopeless of settlement
by every movement which had been made on either side.

But, although the commencement and continuance of the war
changed in some measure the position and operations of the parties,
it did not change their settled and unwavering determination to
maintain their several claims. The State of New York had no
thought of surrendering their claim to jurisdiction over the New
Hampshire Grants. And the inhabitants of the Grants had as
little thought of ever submitting to that jurisdiction ; but they
began more openly and boldly to insist on establishing themselves
as a separate and independent State. And several circumstances
at this time occurred to encourage their hopes. They liad before
acknowledged the sovereignty of the British government, and their
right to dispose of their destiny. By the declaration of indepen-
dence, that sovereignty w^as thrust out of the way, and Congress
had taken its place. They had renounced all allegiance to New
York, and did not acknowledge that government as having any
authority over thorn. And as they had not been received into the
Union, in the capacity of a separate State, they denied the au-
thority of Congress to exercise any authority over them, until
they were placed upon the footing of the other States, as a part of

HISTORY OF .ADmSJ> C..UJJTY. 71

the coafoJ^racj bj -wliicli that body had beaa constltutod. Thoy
were of course, in their own view, without a government.

Until this time the counties of Cumberland and Gloucester had
generally submitted to the government of New York, Avhich had
established courts and appointed the officers of those counties.
But there were always many individuals opposed to that jurisdiction.
The idea of establishing a separate government led the inhabitants
to look around them and consider their state. The condition of
their land titles was uncertain. JMany of them, from various causes
had fiiiled to obtain a confirmation of their titles, and they began
to discover that the heavy quit rents and expenses which would be
required Avould be an unreasonable ])urthen, "which," in language
not very different from that of more modern land reformers " they
consider an innovation upon the rights of mankind, for whose use
&uch lands were given by a bountiful Providence, v>-ithout reserva-
tion, and which ought not, in their opinion, to be charged with
taxes, other than for the general support and defence of the State
and government." They discovered also that the seat of govern-
ment was so remote that " the obtaining of justice is rendered labo-
rious, tedious and expensive," and that the influence of the govern-
ment is "weak and dissipated," "to the great encouragement of
the lawless and wicked."

It is understood that the excitement which raised the mob in
March, 1775, to stop the proceedings of the court at Westminster,
and arrest and imprison the judges and other officers, had no refer-
ence to the question of land titles, or jurisdiction. But it is not
improbable, that the scarcity of money, and their inability to pay
the heavy amount of debts put in suit, which produced that excite-
ment, might have stimulated an opposition to the government,
whose courts and sheriif were a terror to the whole community.
Accordingly, "a meeting of the committees appointed by a large
body of inhabitants, on the east side of the Green Mountains," was
held at Westminster, on the 11th day of April, of that year, which
adopted spirited resolutions against the government of New York.
In the meantime, agents were sent from the west side of the moun-
tains to encourage those rising dispositions, and ascertain the pre-

72 IIISTOIIY OF A1;L>!:0N COUXTY.

vailinf' sentiments of tLoso couiiiies, as to tbc csLablisLm-snt of
an independent government.

■ Soon after Ethan Allen and Setii VrARXEn returned from the
capture of Ticonderoga and Crown Point, thej " set off on a
journey to the Continental Congress, with the design of procuring
pay for the soldiers under them, and soliciting authority to raise a
new regiment in the New Hampshire Grants. In both these objects
they Avere successful." The Congress " recommended to the Pro-
vincial Congress of New York, that after consulting General
Schuyler, they should employ, in the army to be raised for the
defence of America, those called ' Green Mountain Boys,' under
such officers as the said ' Green Mountain Boys' should choose."
Allen and Warner, notwithstanding!; their outlawry, renaired with
the recommendation, to the Congress of New York ; and that body
with some delay and reluctance, resolved that a regiment of Green
Mountain Boys should be raised, not exceeding five hundred men,
and to consist of seven companies ; who were to choose their own
officers, except the_ field officers. "A lieutenant colonel was to be
the highest officer." The committees of several townships assem-
bled at Dorset, and made choice of " Setii Warner, lieutenant
colonel and Samuel Safford for mxajor."

" Knowing the value of Colonel Allen's experience and acti^aty,
General Schuyler persuaded him to remain in the army, chiefly
with a view of acting as a pioneer among the Canadians."* On
the 24th of September, 1775, in an attempt to capture Montreal,
with a small body of troops, he was taken prisoner through the
failure of Major Brown to co-operate with him, as agreed between
them.

By virtue of his election as lieutenant colonel, Warner prompt-
ly raised his regiment, and joined the forces under General Schuy-
ler, in the invasion of Canada, and performed \q\'j active and
useful services. But neither he or his officers had received their
commissions from the government of New York. On the 16th
day of September, 1775, General Montgomery commanding the

* Spark's Memoir of Ethan Al-.en.

niSTOllY OF ADDISON COUXIY. jS

fl)rco3, Avliijli ■'.vorc be.jeiging St. Jolnvs, '-issued an order appoint-
ing Warneh colonel of a regiment of Green Mountain Rangers,
requiring that he should be obeyed as such." This, it is presumed,
was designed only as a temporary appointment, and on the 20th
day of November following, on account of the destitute condition
of his troops, General Moxtgomkry discharged them, and they re-
turned home. But Warxer was not long permitted to remain in-
active. In January, ITTG, he received a letter from General
"WooSTER, after the defeat of the Americans at Quebec, commend-
ing him and his " valiant Green Jlountain Boys,"' in which he says,
" let me beg of you to raise as many men as you can, and have
them in Canada with the least possible delay, to remain till Ave can
have relief from the Colonies. You will see that proper oiScers
are appointed under you," and promises, tliiit las troops should
'• have the same pay as the Continental troops." Warner promptly
complied with the request, and he and hh troops were in Canada
in a very short time, and remained there until the retreat of the
American army. Through the hostility of the government of
New York toward the Green Mountain Boys, or for some other
culpable cause, he had received no comm.ission, and he and his
troops performed those services as volunteers. " Congress, on the
5th day of July, 1776, resolved to raise a regiment out of the
troops v.ho had served with so much reputation in Canada,' to be
commanded by a lieutenant colonel. V/arner was accordingly
appointed lieutenant colonel and SamUcL Safioiid, major." *

No event had more decided tendency to strengthen the cause of
the Green Mountain Boys, and encourage them to hope that Con-
gress would finally recognize their independence, or to exasperate
the people and govc^-nment of New York, than the raising of this
regiment, senarate from and independant of that government. Com-
plaints were made by the Yorkers on the Grants, that this measure
rendered their condition more uncomfortable and hopeless ; and the
government of New York sent frequent remonstrances to Congress,
demanding that the regiment should be disbanded.

* D. CfliFMAN"3 Memoir of Warnee.

74 HISTORY OS' AUl.IifJX COUNTY.

la the meantime, reports vvero in circulation, that a con3idcra\)le
number of the members of Congress, were in favor of admitting
Vermont int6 the Union, as an independent State. On the 11th
day of April 1777, Thomas Young, of Philadelphia, an ardent
friend, wrote a letter to the inhabitants, that after learning "the
minds of several of the leading members," he could assure them,
that they had nothing to do but to choose delegates to a convention,
who should choose delegates to the General Congress, and form a
constitution for the State." And he added, as a reason, why noth-
ing more had been done in their behalf, '• until you incorporate,
and actually announce to Congress your having become a body poli-
tic, they cannot treat you as a free State "

In the meantime measures had been taken preparatory to a dec-
laration of independence, and at an adjourned meeting of the con-
vention, held at Westminster, on the 15th day of January, 1777,
composed of delegates from all the Counties, a formal declaration
was adopted, •' that the district of territory, known by the name
and description of the New Hampshire Grants, of right ought to
be, and is hereby declared forever hereafter, to be considered as a
free and independent jurisdiction or State, by the name of New Con-
necticut, alias Vermont." And at a meeting of the convention
afterwards, on the 4th day of June following, it was resolved that
the State should be called Vermont. Jonas Fay, Thomas Chit-
tenden, Heman Allen, and Reuben Jones were appointed a com-
mittee to present to congress the above declaration, with the reasons
which induced it.

In pursuance of the advice of Mr. Young, the delegates who had
been chosen for that purpose, met at Windsor, on the 2d day of July
1777, and adopted a constitution, fixed a time for the choice and
meeting of the legislature under it, and appointed a committee of
safety to act in the meantime. The session of the convention was
closed in haste, occasioned by the news of the invasion of the country
by a formidable force under General Burgoyne ; and by reason of
that event and the movements which followed, notice for the election
and meeting of the legislature was not seasonably given. The con-
vention was therefore again called together, revised the constitution,

niiTOIlY Oi' ADiilSOX CUoNTY. 75

and appoiutcd tbu second Thursday of Ivrarcli 1778, for the mcctini^
of the Assembly. Mr. YoUNO had recommended the new consti-
tution of Pennsylvania, providing for a single legislative body, with
Bome alteration of the powers of the governor's council. This rec-
ommendation was adopted. But the people of Pennsylvania soon be-
came dissatisfied with their constitution, and added a senate to tho
legislature. Ours remained with little alteration until the year
18 o5, when it was also amended so as to provide for a senate.

Against all these proceedings the New York government sent to
Congress their remonstrances. On the other hand, the Green IMoun-
taiu Boys, continued to urge their claims to be acknowledged as an
independent State, and to bo admitted into the Union. They
claimed, that in declaring their independence, they only imitated
the example of the Continental Congress ; that the colonies were
oppressed l)y the British government, and they had been oppressed
by the New Y'ork government ; that all the civil and political insti-
tutions of the country, which had been established under the author-
ity of the crown of Great Britain, had been dissolved by their sep-
aration from that government, and so far as the government was
concerned, all were reduced to a state of nature, and were left to
form such government as they might choose ; and that, in this re-
spect, the people of Vermont were in the same condition as tho
other territories, and had the same right to establish their own gov-
ernment. As early as the loth of i\Iay 1770, and befoi-e the dec-
laration of American independence, the Continental Congress, re-
cognizing the disorganized state of the country, and the propriety
of a legal organization, before the adoption of such declaration, had
" resolved, that it be recommended to the respective assemblies and
conventions of the United Colonies, where no government, sufficient
to the exigencies of their affairs, has been hitherto established, to
adopt such government as shall, in the opinion of the representatives
of the peo|ile, best conduce to the happiness and the safety of their
constituents in particular, and America in general."'

But Congress was placed in an embarrassing and delicate position,
"between two fires." They saw the danger of irritating either
party. Their proceedings were therefore vacillating in the extreme.

lb niStORT CF ADDISON COUMT.

What thej did at one time was undone at the next ; and no £nrJ
decision was ever adopted bj that body.

In the meantime the Vermonters continued to adopt measures to
reduce the government to sjbicm and order, in its operations over
all parts of the State. The inhabitants -were also becoming, not
only accustomed to, but satisScd with, its operation. The settle-
ment of tlie State> and its population were rapidly increasing and
adding strength to the government, and the claims of New York
were thereby becoming every year more hopeless, and the condi-
tion of the friends of that government more uncomfortable.

Ethan Allent, who had been captured in Canada in 1775, and
held by the British a prisoner of war, being exchanged and re-
leased in May, 1778, soon returned home and resumed his posi-
tion as leader of all the active operations of the State.

The government of Vermont did not Iiesitate to extend its juris-
diction and authority over the adherents of New York, as well as
othei's. There still remained in Brattlcborough, Guilford, and other
towns in Windham county, in the year 1779, many individuals of
this class, who endeavored to oppose tiic proceedings of Vermont.
These were taxed and drafted ir^to service as others, and " a sum of
money vras assessed on those Vvho were supposed to have done least
in the war." Some " acquiesced in it rather than contend."
Among other acts, the Vermont party, in the spring of that year
"ordered Capt. Jamf.s Clay, Lieut. Bknjamin Wilson" and
another, who vrerc militia officers appointed by In ew York, ' • to
provide a man to go into the service." But they failing to obey the
order, t^vo of their cows were seized, and ordered to be sold, to pay
the man hired by the Vermonters. On the day appointed for the
sale, Colonel Patterson, v/ho commanded the regiment of militia
under New York, v»'ith his " field officers and a considerable part
of the regiment," assembled and rescued the cattle, and delivered
them to the owners. Within a week or two, Etean Allejt, with
an armed body of troops, appeared there and arrested and imprisoned
Colonel Patterson, and nearly all the officers of the regiment.

The legislature, of Vermont, at their session in February, 1781,
passed ''a general act of amnesty in favor of such persons," who

niSTOIlV Ui' AM;I.JO.X COU.NT?. 77

had opposed its authority. Upya which tlioiie pcioons subniittcd to
the authority of the State, and took the oath of allegiance. After-
wards, the legislature, f.)r the defence of the frontiers, ordero.-l '■ p-
quota of men to be raised in the several to'.vr.s throufrhout the State."
And thereupon the same '•disaffected persons," " in the town and
vicinage of Guilford, in the southern part of the County of Wind-
ham " raised a formidable opposition " to the raising and paying
of them," and for the purpose of aiding the opposition, the govern-
ment of New York appointed several of the disafTected persona to
'' civil and military olTiL'es," who undertook to use the laws of the
State of New York over l!ie citizens of this State. Upon which
EriiAX Allf-N, at the head of a military force Avas sent by order
of the governor '"to assist the sheriff of Windham County, in the
execution of the laws." TiMoTiiY PiiELP3, sheriff, Timothy
CiiUKCii. colonel, and miore than one hundred civil and militarv
officers and privates, wore arrested and brought before the courts,
and five of them vrerc sentenced to banishment, and confiscation of
property, and others to fines and imprisonment.

These proceedings v.'cre occasions for ncAv appeals from Governor
Cli:nTox to Congress for their speedy and efficient interference.
On occasion of the latter proceeding, Congress, on the 5th day of
December, 1782, adopted resolutions, condemning, in severe terms,
the action of Vermont, and among other things, requiring the peo-
ple of that State, '' Vvilhout delay to make full and ample restitu-
tion to TiMoTi'Y Ciiup.cTi, Timothy Phelps, Henry Evaxs,
William Siiattuck, and such others as have been condemned to
banishment, or coniiscation of estate, or have been otliervrise de-
prived of property," '• and that they be not molested in their per-
sons or properties, on their return to their habitations in the said
(iistrict.

These resolutions were ansvrered in a very spirited letter ft'om
Governor Ciiittexden^, denying the authority of Congress to in-
terfere in the internal proceedings of Vermont, containing a very
able argument in justification of their measures, and promptly re-
fusing to obey the requirement of Congress. The General Asscm-

11

78 HISTORY OF ALUISON COUNTY.

bly also adopted a letter to Congress, embracing more conclsolj the
same sentiments.

These arc among the last acts of interference, in the affairs of
Vermont, on the part of Congress, or the New York government.
The legislature of that State, on the first day of March, 1786,
thought proper to make the compensation, which Vermont had re-
fused, to the last mentioned sufferers ; and granted them a township
of land in the county of Chenango, eight miles square, named
Clinton, now Bainbridge.

In the meantime the people of Vermont, with quiet and undis-
turbed prosperity, continued to press forward in their career of
separate and independent existence, with increasing indiilerence to
the hostility or favor of any exterior power. At length on the 15th
day of July, 1789, the legislature of New York, tired of the
fruitless controversy, giving up all hope of reducing the territory
to her jurisdiction, and desirous, it is said, of increasing the north-
ern inHuence in Congress, which Vermont might bring, passed
an act appointing commissioners, with full power to acknowledge
her independence, and settle all existing controversies. On the
22d of October foliovfing, the legislature of Vermont appointed
commissioners on their part with similar powers.* On the 7th of
October, 1790, the commissioners agreed upon the boundaries and
the terms of settlement ; that Vermont should be admitted into the
Union, and on such admission all claims to jurisdiction on the part
of New York, should cease, and as a compensation to those, who
claimed lands under New York, Verm.ont should pay thirty thou-
sand dollars. On the 28th of the same month, the legislature of
Vermont passed an act, accepting the boundaries and settlement,
and agreeing to pay ,4^30,000. On the 10th of January, 1791, a
convention of delegates chosen for the purpose, passed and sub-
scribed a resolution, '• approving, assenting to and ratifying " the

* The commissioners appointed on the pnrt of I\ew York were iiOBKKT Tatijs,
Joii.v Lansing, Jr., Gitlizx Verplank, Simkon DeVVitt, Eguebt Bens"N, and
iViELANCroM Smith, and on the part of Vermont, Isaac Ticiiexo!!, Ftep.iex R.
DcADf.EY, Natiiamel Cjiir:.i.\x, Elijah Paine, Ira Allen, i^jtephek Jacob and
Ie.:ael S.'iiTir.

HISTORY OF ADDISON COUNTY. 79

Constitution of the United States ; and on the 18th day of Februa-
ry of that year. (Jongrcss passed an act, "that on the 4th day of
March" following, " the State of Vermont shall be received and
admitted into the Union, as a new and entire member of the United
States of America."

iK) MisToiiv oi' ADDISON eou:(Tr.

CIIAFTEll Till.

1-N'CIDENT5 OP THE V.'AU INT THE CuUim' OT ADDISON.

TiiK rovolutionarjMvar, wliicii had been ended, some years before
Veriaont was admitted to the Ur.ion. furnished but few incidents,
•R'hich can propcrlj constitute a part of the historj of Addiscn
County. Veiy fevr permanent settlements had been made in tho
county before its commencement. It is siiid that James McIxtosii,
a Scotchman, commenced a settlement in territory nov in the
city of Vergennes, in the year 11 QQ ; and other settlements Avere
made on the creek above the falls in New Haven, now Walthani, as
early as 1769. Col. JoriN Ciiipman, in ITGG made a small clear-
ing on his farm in Middlebury, but did not return to it, with his
family, until 1773 ; and in the latter year several other families
were settled in that town. And it is said that in the charter limits
of Middlebury, there were thirteen families, and in that part of
Cornwall, afterwards annexed to Middlebu>y, eight famiiies, before
the war. Col. Philip Stone ccmmenced preparation for a settle-
ment on the border of the lake in Bridport in 1768, and several
other families were settled in that town before the war. Jou:^^
C II ARTIER also commenced some improvements, on the south end
of Mount Independence in Orv^ell some years before the war,
but no permanent settlements, we believe, were made in that town
until after the war. As stated on a previous page, Jonx Stf.oxo,
Zadoc Everest, David Vallanck, BojAiiix Kellogg, and
probably a few others, had made preparations for a settlement,
on the borders of the lake in Addison, in 1765, and took posses-
sion with their families in 1766. The late Squire Firris, of
Yergennes, in a statem.ent made to Philip C. Tucker, Esq., to
which wo havo referred elscv.'hcrc, says that hia father, Plter

HK'TaRY OF ADI>I30.\ COU.NiTY. HI

Fe iKi.5, c;iino ij ami settled on the shore of the lake iii Panlcn, in
1 TGo. Mr. Feiiuis, and his v.ife came through the ^vocd3 fit-i.i
Bennington County, on horse back, he carrying his son Squiri;
then tvvoyeara old in his arms; and that there were then no scttlc-
ment5 on the lake, and that the nearest, and only neighbors were the
British garrison at Crown Point. A few other flimilies were settled
tl'.erc before the war. The fir..;t settlements, by families, in "Whiting
and Leicester, v.erc in ITT-J, in Cornwall and Monkton in 1TT4;
in Weybridgo, and in that part of New Haven, since annexed to
Vv'ey bridge, in 1775. In no other towns in the County had perma-
nent settlements been made at th.it time ; and in the towns men-
tioned, tlie number of families v>"as small.

After the retreat of the American troops from the disastrous ex-
pedition into Canada, in 1770, and especially after General Buii-
GoYNE, in 1777, vvith his formidable army, came up the lake,
Bwc3ping away every resistance before him, a large proportion of
the settlers descrt<?d their farms, and removed to places of greater
safety at the south. The lake and its forts being in possession of
tlic British, tlie whole countiy lying opposite was exposed to ma-
rauding and foraging parties of British, Indians and tories, who
plundered and carried off all such moveable propA'ty as was left
behind and desired by them. And in 1777, while the British
AYcre in quiet possession of the forts, before the surrender of BuR-
GOYNE in October of that year, several of the men were taken
ca-ptive ; and such as remained in captivity until the occurrence of
that event were then released. The family of Col. Stone, living
on the lake shore, in Bridport, was, among others in that region,
frequently annoyed hy bodic.-i of Indians, who visited them for
plunder. But as they did not generally, molest the women and
children, except for plunder, he kept out of the vray and remained
safo for some time. But in October 1777, having been ftilsely
charged by a tory, as being concerned in burning his house, a
British vessel in the lake sent a boat on shore, captured him and
carried him a prisoner to Ticonderoga, where he was confined about
three wcaks, and until tho fort was evacuated after the surrender

of BUKGOTXE/

82 mSIuKY OF ADDLSOX COUNTY.

Samuel Blodgett, a son of Asa Blodgett, an early settler in
Cornwall, now Middlebury, Lad built him a log bouse, just over the
present line between Middlebury and Cornwall, -^viiere he resided
many years afterwards. About the same time, in 1777, a scouting
party came ujjon him and took him prisoner, tied him to a tree, and
threatened to burn him. But being a freemason, he made himself
known to the British officer commanding the party, who was also a
mason, and he was released and taken to Ticouderoga, -where he
was set to Avork with a team.

At the same time James Bextley senior, Avho had settled in
?*Iiddlebury, and his daughter Avcre at the house of Blodgett, and
to escape from the Indians, he crawled into a hollow log, and the
women threw brush over the entrance and so effectually concealed
him, that he escaped. " '^fe<5,>«o.

The following account of the capture of Eldad Axdkews, taken
in 1777, at the same time as S.amuel Blodgett. was furnished by
,th.\ Mr. Rui'us Mhad, who obtained it from those who received it di-
' '■'''^■^"fectly from Mr. Andke-ws : X''' ^'^ '^ s -^^ '^; 57 ■

Eldad Andr&\V5, one of the first three settlers in Cornwall, was
taken by Indians, and carried across the lake. The savages came to
his house^ v/hilfe he was in the field at work ; finding Mrs. A. en-
gaged in making cheese they devoured the curd and everything eat-
able in the house, without committing any personal violence. Leav-
ing the house, they captured Mr. A. and took him to Ticonderoga,
He was at length released and an Indian deputed to row him across
the lake. Mr. A. had not gone far before he discovered the Indian
on his trail, and the conclusion was that the Indian coveted his scalp.
He made no sign however, but armed himself with a heavy club.
As twilight came on, he passed a deep ravine, in going into which
he passed over a large fallen tree, and laid down behind it concealed.
His pursuer was soon standing over him on the log. Andrews was
a man of great physical strength, and did not give the savage a long
time to ascertain his whereabouts, when with a heavy blow with his
club on the side of his head,, he leveled the Indian, and marched
. home without further molestationj and without inquii-ing the fate
of his pursuer.

JIISTOr.Y OF ADDIoON COU^'TY. 88

Joshua Gkaves and liis son .TE.?sii; GtwYVES, while hoeing com
on the bank of the creek in Salisbui-y, on the farm since owned by
the late JoStPii Smith, on which they were among the earliest set-
tlers in that town, were captured at the same time by about two
hundred Indians. The widow of Joseph Smith was a daughter <>f
the younger, and grand-daughter of the elder, Graves ; and the
farm has ever remained in the family. The captives were takey to
the settlement of Jeuemiah Parker in Leicester, where he and hi.=i
son, Jerejiiah Parkeh, Jun. Avcre also captured, and all the pris-
oners were taken to Ticondcroga. Tlic two elder captives were soon
released ; hut the two j^ounger vrere detained prisoners, on board s>
vessel, for three weeks, until there was time to send to Canada and
get a return.

Asa Blodgett, flither of Samukl Blodgett, above mentioned,
who had settled on the creek in the south part of Cornwall, and re-
mained after the general retreat of the inhabitants, was taken pris-
oner also by the Indians. His captors placed him on a stump, with
a rope around his neck, the end of which was thrown over the limb
of a tree. lie remained in this position for some time, expecting
instant death, with which the Indians tlireatened him ; but ho was
afterw'ards released. The facts avc have stated relating to the cap-
ture of Asa and SatiIuel Blodgi-tt, and the escape of Bextley,
were received from the late Abraham Williamson of Cornwall,
and his wife, who Avas a daughter of Samuel Blodgett.

But the most serious and extensive depredations, on the inhabit-
ants of the County were committed in the flill of 1T7S. In the
early part of November in that year, a large British force came up
the lake in several vessels, and thoroughly scoured the country on
both sides. Such of the men as had the temerity to remain on their
farms until that time they took prisoners, plundered, burnt, and de-
stroyed their property of every description, leaving the women and
children to take care of themselves as they could, in their houseless
and destitute condition. Not a town in the County, where any set-
tlements had been made, escaped their ravages. The only building
in Middlcbury, not wholly destroyed, except two or three in the
southeast part of the town, which they seem not to have found, was

n. barn of Col. Joun Ciili'MAX, ■'.vliicli bad been lately built of green
timber, v.'bieb iboj could not set on. fire and vdiioii they tried in vain
v;lth their irancrfect tools to cut dawn. The marks of their liatcliets,
on the tiuibera. are still to be seen.

As there are no public documents or history, Vrithin our knov/-
leJge -which give any general account of those proceedings, in other
tovrns, and all the persons concerned in the transactions are supposed
to bo dead, we have collected information from such sources as were
in oar tiovrcr : and instead of condensing: it into a continuous narra-
live, v.e choose to give it as we liavc received it from the several
fciources. ^

The iallo^7ing statement was made by Philip C. Tucker, Esq.,
of Yergcnnes, principally from information obtained by him, at our
reqres;;, from Nathan Ghi5W©ld and Asapu GiasvroLD, sons of
INTatiian GrtlsWCLU, one of the captives:

" In the month of November 1778, the following persons of tho
north and west portions of Addison County were taken prisoners by
the British forces, and transported on board British vessels to Can^
ada : Natiian GKlSVroiD, taken in that part of New Haven which
is ncw'Ycrgennes, Jonx Giiiswold and Ado.vijak Gkiswold, in
that part of New Kaven which is now Waltham, and Davfd Gui.s-
\yoLD, of New Haven. These four men were brothers ; Ei.i Bou^
EiiTS and DunAND E^oberts, father and son, vrore taken at Ver-
genncs; PiTi-li FiiURIS and SQUl'tE Feruis, father and son, of
Panton, Averc taken on the west side of Lake Charaplain, while

huntinn- : Jo.=;epii IIolcomd. Elijah Grandy and Spalding

at Panton, John Bishop at Monkton and lIopiaNS at New

Haven. These were part of the captives taken during the flill of
1778, consisting in all of two hundred and forty-four. They were
all taken to Quebec and imprisoned. Tradition snja, that but forty-
eight were brought back in June 1782, and exchanged as prisonora
of war at Whitehall."

'•Of tlie thirteen persons above named, all returned but one.
John Griswold Jun. enlisted on board a British vessel at Quebec,
upon a promise, that he should be restored to his liberty, on the ar-
rival of tliG vessel in Irohuid. Ho was never henrd of afterwaxd.

HIsTOnY OF ADDISON COUNTY. 85

All these men are believed to be now dead. The deaths of those
known arc as follows : Natliax Guiswold, died ut "Waltham,
July 17, 1811, aged 85 yeai-s; David GiaswoLD, at New Haven,
August 11, 1820. in his GOth year; Adonijau Griswold, at
Green County, Illinois, in 1847, aged 88 years; Eli Hobekts, at
Ycrgennes, in 180G, age unknown; Duiiaxd Roberts, at Ferris-
burgh, in 1817, aged 57 years ; Peter, Ferris, at Panton, in
1811, aged 92 years ; Squire Ferris, at Vergeniies, March 12,
1849, aged 87 years."

The following information was communicated by IsliLo Sxovr,
Esq., of Weybridge, son of Clark Stow, one of the captives men-
tioned below, and published in the i^.Iiddlebury Register , August
SO, 1854. A short memorandum, vrhich we have seen in their
family resords, of their capture, imprisonment, and the death of
David Stow, in the hand-vrriting of Clark Stow, authenticates
the principal facts.

"November 8, 1778, a marauding party of British, Indians
and tories, invaded the quiet homes of four families in this vicinity,
being the only inhabitants in "Weybridge, burned their houses and
effects, killed their cattle and hogs, and took Thomas Sanford,
and his son Robert, David Stow and his son Clark, Claudius
Brittel and his son Claudius, and Justus Sturdevant, and car-
ried them prisoners to Quebec. The four wives and their young
children, for eight or ten days, occupied an out-door cellar of Mr.
Sanfoud, at this place, till our troops from Pittsford came to their
rescue. David Stow died in prison, December 31st, 1778.
Thomas Sanford, and two others from Vermont, Gifford and
Smith, escaped from prison, and after wandering through Maine
and New Hampshire, reached their families. The rest of the
prisoners, after extreme suffering Avere discharged in 1782." *

* A handsome marble monument has recently been erected on the site of the
out-door cellar, in which the women and children found shelter, in memory of
the captivity of these men. The pedestal, base, die and cap, make the height
about eight feet. The above is the inscription on one side.

Not far from this monument, i.s a remarkable slide, on the bank of Otter Creek.
It occurred in the fore part of July, 1819. Charles Wales, with his family and
motker resided in a house on the ground, and in the course of the dnv. the house

12

86 HISTORY uy ADDISON COUNTY.

Tiie follo-\ving, in addition to the above, we have received directly
from Mr. Stow. The prisoners, on their arrival at Quebec, were
for a time kept on board a prison ship : but were afterwards re-
moved to a prison on land. "While there thej dug through the
walls of the prison and escaped, but were retaken and recommitted,
except Thomas Sanford and one or two others from Vermont, who,
after wandering- a long time throug;h the wilderness of New Hamp-
shire and Maine reached their families.* Those who vfere recom-
mitted dug nearlj through the wall a second time, and a large pro-
portion of them, in the spring of 1T80, were sent ninety miles
tlown the St. Lawrence, and were there set to work. But Clark
Stow, being then young, was selected by a French lady, and cm-
plo^'-ed by her as a house servant, until he, with the rest, was ex-
changed and released in 1782. After his release in October he
went to Great Barrington, Mass., to which the family had removed,
•and in March, 1783. they returned to Weybridge.

The following account of the capture of some of the inhabitants
of Bridport, their imprisonment and escape, wo have abridged from
the account of Bridport, given by ISlv. Thompson, in the first edi-

seemoJ to tremble andci-ask, for wluch the inmates could not account. But in tlie
evening they became alarmed, and left the house, but Mr. Walks stood still on the
ground. Between nine and ten o'clock in the evening, the land, 1^ the extent of
nearly two acres, suddenly sank about eighteen feet perpendicularly, the man
going down -with it was not hurt, but escaped to the bank. The house went duW'n
and was shattered to pieces, and the cellar and chimney were never found. The
bank of the creek rested on a body of blue clay, vvh^sh was crushed out by the
incumbent soil and ejected into and across the river, forming a solid and impene-
trable dam, whicii stayed the whole current of the creek, until nine or ten o'clock
the next^morning. A similar slide of less extent took place since, near by, on tlie
farm of Bexjamin Wales, and near his house.

* We have the following story from undoubted authority. When Mr. Sanfoed
was captured he had two horses and a colt which were left behind without any
one to take care of them. He returned, as related above, after three jears absence,
expecting to find his horses dead. But he found them alive, except the colt, which
the Indians shot. They had lived on the Beaver Meadows, in the neighborhood,
and were fcund some distance from where Saxford left them. Tliey had become
very wild; but Sanfohd had given each of them a name, and when he called
them by their names they carae to him and were easily taken, they recognizing
citlicr their namcc or tlu'ir master's voice.

HISTORY OF ADDISON C0U5TY. 87

tion of liis Gazetteer. Tlio facts, it is presumed, -were obtained
from some of the partj, as all but one Averc then alive.

Nathan Smith, Marshall Smith and John AVard, who had
just been married, who had ventured to remain on their farms, in
Bridport. Aviiile most of the inhabitants had removed, being together
on the 4th day of November, 1778, were taken by a party of
British, imder Major Carleton. He collected in that vicinity
thirty-nine prisoners, men and boys. They were put on board a
f esscl in the lake and carried prisoners to Canada. They reached
Quebec December 6, and were kept in prison sixteen months and
nineteen days. In the spring of 1780, after two dreary winters,
in which several of the party died, the prisoners had liberty to
remove thirty leagues down the River St. Lawrence, to work.
About forty went, among whom were the two Smiths and Ward.
They landed the first of May, on the south side, where the river
was tv;enty-seven miles wide. In the night of the 13th, eight of
the prisoners took a batteau and crossed the river and lauded in a
perfect wilderness. They here separated into two parties, Justus
STUiiDEVANT. of Yrcybridgc joining the three Bridport men. They
traveled by night, and when in the neighborhood of settlements,
secreted themselves in the vroods by day. They occasionally met
Frenchmen, who appeared friendly ; but on the 20th, When nearly
opposite Quebec, they called on two Frenchmen for aid in crossing
a swollen river. One of them stated that he was an officer, and
dared not let them pass. He seized his gun and declared them
prisoners. The other took up an axe, and both stood against the
door to prevent their escape. Nathan Smith said to his com.radcs,
"wo must go," and seized the man with the gun, and the other
prisoners laid hold of the other Frenchman, and they thrust them
aside, and all escaped except Sturdevant, vrho remained a prisoner
until the close of the war. Some days after, four Indians, armed
with guns and knives, came upon them, but they sprang into the
woods and escaped, and traveled all night until noon the next day,
when being not far from Three Rivers, they lay down and slept.
But soon each was awakened by an Indian having fast hold of him.
They were committed to prison at Three Rivers. Three sides of

88 niSTOilY OF ADDISON COUNTY.

the prison wcro of stone, the other of T,"ood. After being in
prison three weeks, thej began to cut into the wooden wall with a
jack-knife, and in a week had cut thi-ough it sufficiently to escape into
an adjoining room. Having drawn a week's provisions, they cut
up their bed clothes, and let themselves down, so near the window
of the room below, that they saw the officers there assembled, and
were not more than a rod from the sentinel in his box. Thence
they continued to travel by night, and lay by in the day time.
To supply themselves with food, they took a lamb in one place and
a turkey and* other fowls in others. They kept off from the river
to avoid the Indians, who they learned were in pursuit of them,
and had been offered a bounty for their apprehension. They at
length crossed the St. Lawrence and traveled to the River Sorel,
and thence through the wilderness, with incredible hardships and
suffering, having killed an ox on the way for their sustenance, and
at length arrived at the house of Asa Hemenwat, in Bridport,
which alone had survived the desolations of the war. The next
day they reached the picket fort at Pittsford. From the time of
their escape, ninety miles below Quebec, including their imprison-
ment, they had not changed their clothes, and had few left to be
changed.

The following graphic account of the capture ami imprisonment
of Peter Ferris, and his son Squire Ferris, with some antece-
dent and accompanying events, is an extract from an article pub-
lished in the " Vergennes Vermontc7\'^ February 26, 1845, which
was written by Philip C. Tucker, Esq. The facts contained in
it were communicated to him by Squire Ferris in his lifetime.

" In October, 1776, upon the retreat of General Arnold up
the lake with the American fleet, after the battles fought near Val-
cour Island, he ruli the remaining part of his vessels, four gun
boats and the galley, " Congress," which Arnold himself com-
manded, into a small bay, which still bears the name of "Arnold's
Bay," and the shores of which were upon Mr. Ferris's farm.
Some of the remains of those vessels are yet visible, though they
wei'e all partly blown to pieces and sunk when Arnold abandoned
them. An incident of their destruction, not known to history, is

HI.-5T0RY OF ADDISOX COUNTY. 89

related bj Squ.re Ferri.^, a son of Mr. Ferris, then in his four-
tcsnth year. Lieutenant Goldsmith of Arnold's galley had been
severely wounded in the thigh by a grape shot in the battle near
Valcour Island, and lay wholly helpless on the deck, when the or-
ders were given to blow up the vessels. Arnold had ordered hira
to be removed on shore, but by some oversight he was neglected, and
was on the the deck of the galley when the gunner set fire to the
match. lie then begged to be thrown overboard, and the gunner,
on returning from the galley, told him he would be dead before she
blew up. lie remained on deck at the explosion, and his body was
Been when blown into the air. His remains were taken up and
buried on the shore of the lake. To the credit of Arnold, he showed
the greatest feeling upon the subject, and threatened to run the gun-
ner through on the spot. The British fleet arrived at the mouth of
the bay before the explosion of Arnold's vessels, and fired upon
his men on the shore^ and upon the house of Mr. Ferris, which
stood near the shore. Some grape shot and several cannon shot
struck j\Ir. Ferris's house. Mr. Ferris and his family returned
with Arnold to Ticonderoga ; from whence they afierwards went,
for a short time for safetv, to Scha^zhticooke in the State of New
York. All Mr. Ferris's moveable property at Pan ton was either
taken or destroyed by the British. His cattle, horses and hogs
were shot, and his other property carried off. His orchard trees
were cut down, his fences burnt, and nothing left undestroyed, but
his house and barn."

" After some weeks had elapsed Mr. Ferris returned to the re-
mains of his property, and endeavored to repair his injuries, so
far as possible. He had restored his fences to preserve a crop of
winter grain sowed the previous autumn, and had got in his spring
crops, when in the month of June following, the army of General
BuRGOYNE came up the lake. A considerable portion of the army,
commanded by General Fraser, landed at Mr. Ferris's farm, en-
camped there for the night, and utterly destroyed them all. Two
hundred horses were turned into his meadows and grain fields, and
they were wholly ruined. Gen. Fraskr had the civility to promise
indemnity, but that promise yet waits for its fulfilment.

yO niSTOPvY OF ADDIiuX COUNTY.

"In the autumn of 177G. Mr. Ferris and his son, Squire Ferris,
assisted in the escape of Joseph Everest and Phineas Spalding from
the British schooner Maria of sixteen guns, then lying at anchor off
Arnold's Bay. These two men -were Americans. ^Yho had been
seized in Panton and Addison, and made prisoners for flivoring the
American cause. Both were taken from the schooner in a dark
night and conveyed on shore in a small canoe. Souire Ferris, the
son, "was also of a small party in the winter of 1770-77, who seized
upon two Englishmen, supposed to be spies, ricar the mouth of Otter
Creek, and delivered them into the hands of Gen. St. Clair at Ti-
conderoga."

'• In the year 1778, the British made a general capture of all the
Americans they could reach on the shores of Lake Champlain, who
were known to be friendly to tlie revolutionary cause. In Novem-
ber of that year, Mr. Ferris and his son started upon a deer hunt,
on the west side of the lake. "When near the mouth of Putnam's
Creek, about six miles south of CroAvn Point, they were seized by
a body of British soldiers and tories, commanded by Colonel Carle-
ton, and carried on board the schooner jNIaria, then lying at Crown
Point, near the mouth of Bulwaggy Bay. They were the nrst
prisoners taken in the great attempt of the British to sweep the
shores of the hike of those inhabitants, wdio were friendly to the re-
publican cause. On the same night, detachments from this vessel
burnt nearly all the houses along the lake from Eridport to Ferris-
burgh, making prisoners of the male inhabitants, and leaving the
women and children to suffering and starvation. Mr. Ferris's house
and all his other buildings were burnt. Forty persons were brought
on board the next day ; and within a few days, the number reckoned
two hundred and forty- four ; part of which were put on board tho
schooner Carleton of sixteen guns, which then lay at the mouth of
Great Otter Creek. The forces, which came out in the Maria and
Carleton, were originally destined for an attack upon Rutland, but
their object having become known by the escape of an American
prisoner, Lieut. Benjamin Everest, that project was abandoned, and
they vferc employed in desolating the country, and stripping it of
its inhabitants. The vessels proceeded with their prisoners to St.

IIIiTJHT O^F ADUIrfUN COUXTY. 91

JoLas; fioin tlion3o tlicj were marched to Sorel, and it was the in-
tention of tlie captors to have continued their march doAvn the St.
Lawrence to Quebec. At Sorel they crossed the St. LaAvrence, and
soon after a heavy snow storm came on, Avhich making it impossible
to continue the march, trains were seized in all directions, and on
these they Avere driven to Quebec. Here they Avere confined in pris-
on. Soon after some of tliem having contr'.Axd to escape, they were
divided, and about one hundred of them were sent doAvn the riA'cr
one liundred miles and employed in getting out timber for building
barracks. jNIr. Ferris and his son Avere sent among this number in
the month of January 1779. In the spring folloAving nine of tliep ris-
ouers, among avIiou-v Avers Mr. Ferris and his son, seized a batteau
in the night, in which they crossed to the cast side of the river,
Avhere it Avas fifteen miles Avide. On landinir thev set the batteau
adrift, separated into two parties-, and made the best of their Avay
up the river. They had brought proA'isions with them, and avoid-
ing the settlements, and tra\'eling only in the night, the party, Avith
Avhich the two Ferrises remained, arrived opposite the Three Rivera
on the fourth day. They crossed in the night, but were discovered
and retaken. The remainder of the party did not get so far, liaA'-
ing been retaken by a body of Indians in the neighborhood of Que-
bec. The party of the Ferrises Avere put into jail at Three Rivers,
Avlicrc they remained eighteen months. During this time they made
one attempt to escape, but Avere discovered and were then placed in
a dungeon for seventy-tAvo days. At this time the father and son
AA'cre separated.

" Squire Ferris, the son, describes the dungeon Avhere he wa.**
confined, as an apartment eight feet by ten, and so low that he
could not stand up in it. and that the one occupied by his father
adjoined it, and Avas of the same character. The only light was
admitted by a small hole about eight by ten inches in size, which
Avas crossed by iron grates. The hole which admitted this light
Avas level with the ground, and the Avater from the eaves of the jail
poured through it into the dungeon, Avhenever it rained. The straAV
giA'cn them to sleep on was frequently Avet in this way, and the
confined air. dampness and filth, not to be aA'oided, made their suffer-

92 HISTORY OF ADDISON COUNTY.

ings of the severest kind. While they were confined here, another'
place Avas prepared for them, to which thej were transferred after
the dungeon suffering of seventy-two days. This place was oppo-
site the guard room, and upon being removed to it, they were told,
' you damned rebels, you can't get out of this.' Here the father
and son were again put together in the same room. The place was
not however so impregnable as was supposed, for in about six weeks
the prisoners made an excavation under the wall, in the night, and
made their escape. There were six prisoners in the room at this
time. Upon escaping, the parties separated, ]Mr. Ferris and his
son remaining together. They went up the river nearly opposite
Sorcl, where, tAvo days afterAvards, they crossed the St. LaAvrence
in a canoe, and took to the Avoods. Their design Avas to reach
NcAV Hampshire, but having lost theii- way in the AVOods they
struck Missisque River, doAvn Avhich they Avent a fcAV miles, and
Avere again retaken by a British guard, Avho were Avith a party
getting out timber, and by them Avere carried again prisoners to
St. Johns. They Avere taken twenty-one days after their escape,
and had been nineteen days in the woods, during all which time
they had only a four pound loaf of Avheat bread, one pound of salt
beef and some tea for food. They made their tea in a tin quart
cup, and produ<jed fire by a flint and the blade of a jack-knife.
For four days before they Avere retaken, they had nothing for food
but tea, and vrere so weak they could hardly walk. The forces at
St. Johns were then commanded by Col. St. Leger, a brutal drunk-
ard, Avho ordered the prisoners to be ironed together, and put them
in a dungeon for fourteen days. At the end of which time, and
ironed hand in hand to each other, they were sent td Chamblee,
and from there by the rivers Sorel and St. LaAvrence to Quebec.
At Quebec they Avere returned to their old prison, in Avhich they
remained until June 1782, when they were brought from thence to
"Whitehall and there exchanged for British prisoners. From their
capture to their exchange Avas three years and eight months.

After the escape of the Ferrises from below Quebec, the prisoners,
which remained in prison at Quebec Avere divided, and a part placed
on board a prison ship in the river. Soon afterAvard. camp fever, as

msTOKY Of ADLido:* (X>u:<TT. 93

it was then calleJ, broke out among tlicm, and many of them died.
Of the two hundred and forty-four prisoners taken in the neighbor-
hood of Lake Champlain, in November 1778, and carried to
Canada in the schooners Maria and Carleton, only forty -eight were
known to have returned. The elder Ferris died in the year 1811,
at the age of ninety-two ; and of the other forty-seven, Squire
Ferris, of Vergonnes, his son and fellow prisoner, is supposed to bo
the only survivor. * Several of these prisoners received pensions
from the general Government, bat Squire Ferris, their companion in
sufferings, though poor and needy, and though an applicant for
many years, has never received the bounty of his country." Besides
those mentioned above, the following persons, of whose captivity we
have no definite information, were taken and carried to Quebec at
the same time : Benjamin Kellogg and Joseph Everest, of Addison.
!Major Orin Field, of Cornwall, has furnished us with a detailed
and interesting account of the capture and imprisonment of the
late Benjamin Stevens, of that town, as he received it from Mr.
Stevens, a relative, in whose family he resided. He was captured
with three others, in a boat on Lake Champlain, near Split Rock,
in Charlotte, in May, 1779. Being pursued by the tories and
Indians from the shore, and one of the men, Jonathan Rowley,
being killed by a shot from the pursuers, they, surrendered. Ste-
vens Avas then seventeen years old and resided in Rutland County,
lie not then residing m this County, and therefore not strictly
within our province, we give only an abstract of Major Field's
narrative. The prisoners were taken to Chamblee, " thrust into a
email prison, ironed two together and fed for nine days on no other
food than dry peas uncooked. From thence they were taken to
Quebec, where ]Mr. Stevens spent three New Year's days in one
room." Twice they made their escape, and after traveling a long
time in a destitute and suffering condition, at one time in the dead of
winter, and apart of the time living on roots and the bark of tree?,
until one of the party died, they were retaken and recommitted,
and in June, 1782, were exchanged at "Whitehall. Mr. Stevens
settled in Cornwall in 1792, and died June 16, 1815, aged 53 years.

" f QuittE Ferri!? died at Vergcnnes, March 17, 181?, aged 87 years.

13

94 HISTORY OF ADDISON COUNTY.

CHAPTER IX.

AQRICULTURIi — WHEAT — TRANSITION FROM GRAIiJ TO STOCK — SHEEP,

The tract of land west of the mountains, embracing the valleys
of Lake Champiain and Otter Creek, when first cleared up, was as
celebrated for the production of wheat as Western I^few York has
since been. It Avaa the principal staple among the productions of
the County. The following facts will give some idea of the value
of this crop. At the close of the last war with Great Britain, the
people of the County were almost hopelessly in debt. At the June
term of the County Court in 1817, the number of civil causes en-
tered at that term, amounted to more than five hundred, and nearly
all for the collection of debts. This pressure of indebtedness was
wliolly relieved by the crops of wheat raised in the County. The
very cold, dry and unproductive season of 1816, had rather in-
creased than diminished the pressure. But the following season
of 1817, brought to the relief of the farmers more luxuriant crops,
especially of wheat, than any other within our recollection. The
excessive drouth of 18 IG had prepared the stiffest soils to be
thoi'oughly pulverized by tillmg. Large fields were sown ; the
season, with its gentle and frequent showers and genial sunshine,
was most favorable, and the crops singularly abundant. . The
winter following, the price of wheat in Troy, the principal market,
was from two dollars to two dollars and twenty-five cents a bushel ;
the sleighing was excellent, and was faithfully and industriously
im.proved by the farmers, and the large returns brought great
relief to them. The favorable crops which followed had, three years
after, in June, 1820, reduced the whole number of new causes
entered, to ninety-eight.

But the insects^ rust and frost have, in late years, grcatlv dimin-

IirSTORY OF ADDISON COUNTY. 95

islicJ the crop and discouraged tlie farmers. But it is tliouglit the
farmers might,, without much trouble, raise sufficient for the bread
of the County, if tliey did not choose to direct their attention to
more profitable husbandry. Good crops of corn and potatoes, and
large crops of beets, carrots and other roots for stock are produced,
and the latter are becoming common among the farmers. Except on
the hills and rising grounds, the soil is generally too stiff to bo
advantageously cultivated for these crops. But most farmers have
patches of land suitable for raising them in sufficient quantities for
their own use: Oats are produced on almost any of the lands,
which the farmers have courage to till sufficiently. Bye, barley
and buckwheat are also raised to some extent.

But the soil of the County is best adapted to the production of
grass and the raising of stock. And no County perhaps, in this or
any other State can exhibit a finer or more abundant display of
horses, cattle or sheep.* It is the common opinion of farmers, that
grass, grown on the clay or marl lands of the County, is much
more nutricious, than that which is grown on lighter soils. The
editor of the Albany Cultivator, in the number for July, 1845,
after visiting Addison County, says : " Judging from appearances,
it is our opinion, that we have never seen any other land, which is
capable of sustaining as much stock to the acre." " Stock of all
kinds will and do actually fatten on this hay. It is a fact that oxen
bought in the fall, in only store condition, if properly sheltered and
fed on this hay, become in the spring fit for slaughter, and are sent to
Brighton market without any other feeding." For this reason, and
because of the failure of the wheat crop, the farmers have, for the
last twenty or thirty years, directed their attention to the raising of
stock, and especially of sheep. One evil has resulted from this
change in the agriculture of the County. The business of grazing
requires large farms to satisfy the ambition of the enterprising ; and
the large profits have enabled the more wealthy to crowd out the
smaller land owners and send them to the west. The result has
been, that, in several of the principal agricultural towns, the
number of the farmers, and of course of the population has con-
siderably diminished.

98 EISTOKT Oa- J.DDIBON cou??¥r.

Instead of going into a detailed history of the transition from
the former to the present branch. of agriculture ; or the cause of
the change, "we take the libertj to quote several passages from an
excellent ''address delivered at the annual fair of the Addison
County Agricultural Society, October 1st. 1844," by Hon. Silas
H. Jenison, late governor of the State, then a resident of Shore-
ham, but since deceased. He was a practical farmer and vrell
acquainted with the subject.

Referring to the earliest history of agriculture in the County he
says : '•' Among other products of the soil, it was found as favora-
ble to the production of wheat as any other section of the country
then open to the agriculturist. "Wheat consequently early became the
staple product of the county." " Addison County became noted
for the quantity and quality of the wheat. The whole force of tho
farm wa3 directed to tho increase of this crop." "During the
third period of ten years, extending to 1820, the high price of
wheat continued to influence the business of the farmer. Many
fields had been by successive cropping, exhausted of their native
fertility. Wheat, when sowed to the extent it had been raised
for years before, became a less profitable crop. Farmers were
awakina; to the imDortance of manurino; their old fields." And
this conviction. Governor Jenison represents, was a reason that
the farmers gave more attention to the raising of cattle for tho
purpose of providing manure for their wheat crops-, and he adds :

" The number and quality of our cattle was increased and im-
proved. With many farmers, the raising of cattle for market
became the leading business. The cattle from tho County began to
be prized in market, and Addison became as noted for the excel-
lence of its cattle, as for its wheat. The excellent grazing qualities
of the soil were known and appreciated. Indeed, I have heard it
remarked, that the butchers of Brighton could distinguish, by the
appearance and feel, the fat cattle from this part of Vermont,
from those in market from other places ; and that cattle from this
part of the State, of the same apparent flesh, had the preference
with them, opening better, having a greater quantity of tallow and
beef of superior quality and flavor."

HISTORY OF KbblSOS CuUXTY. 97

" A circumstance, referable to this period, has had great infiueiico
on tlic subsequent pursuits and prosperity of the farming interest
of the County. Several individuals, avrakened to the wants and
capabilities of the country, by privations and embarrassments e.xpc-
rienced daring the interruption of our commerce with foreign
countries before and during the war with Great Britain, did, at
great expense, and incurring the penalty of all innovators — being
laughed at by their neighbors — introduce into the County the
ISIerino sheep. Among the foremost in this benencent worlc, were
ReSne Weeks, Daniel Chipman, George Cleveland, and Horatio
Seymour."'

"During the next period of ten years, bringing us to 1830, the
agriculture of the County appears to have been in a transition
state." " While some of the farmers had, as a mnin business of
the farm, embarked in rearing cattle, and others in increasing their
sheep, many had not abandoned the idea, that wheat might still
be a staple product of the County for exportation. They still per-
sisted in the business, notwithstanding theincreasing failures of the
crop, caused by the exhaustion of the soil, ravages of the Hessian
fly, spring killing, blight or rust. ' But in 1827 or 1828, an ene-
my to the wheat crops appeared, which baffled all the efforts of the
farmer to evade. The insect commonly, but improperly, called the
weevil — that name belonging to an insect that preys on the wheat
after it is fully ripened and harvested. The insect alluded to is a
small, orange-colored maggot, and commits its -depredations on the
berry, while in the milky state, leaving the head and almost disap -
pearing from the grain, when ripe. By a late writer in the Cul-
tivator, it is called the wheat midge. As early as 1829, its rav-
ages had increased so that, in some towns, in the County, scarcely a
field escaped."

" When the wheat crop failed, those engaged in the business had
to resort to some other branch of farming. The tenacious quality
of much of the soil of the County, forbid the cultivation of hoed
crops, and the raising of pork, as a substitute. I have before
remai'ked, that tho Merino sheep had been spread through the
County with wonderful rapidity. Indeed, so rapidly was the char-

93 HISTORY OF ADDISO" COUXTY.

acter of tlic flocks changed, that as early as 1824. in many loAVns,,
a considerable flock of native sheep could not be found."

Of the raising of horses, as a department of agriculture, Gov.
Jenison has not particularly treated. In vrhat we have further to
say, we propose to speak, separately of sheep, horses and cattle.
And first of

SHEEP.

In the address from which we have so largely quoted. Governor
Jenison says, " The increased prices obtained for wool, and the
avidity with which it was sought in market, after the passage of
the tariff act of 1828, pointed to that business as more lucrative
than any other. A majority of the farmers eagerly engaged in
increasing their flocks of sheep. The result has been, that Addi-
son County had in 1840, in proportion either to territory or popula-
tion, a greater number of sheep, and produced more wool than
any other county in the United States. To show the truth of
this remark, I refer to facts drawn from the statistical tables ac-
companying the census returns of 1840, and from other sources.
There are nine States which had more than one sheep to each in-
habitant, to-wit : Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maine, Kentucky, Con-
necticut and Ohio, with a portion more than one ; New Hampshire
and New York had about two and one-fourth, and Vermont had
five and three-fourths to each inhabitant. Should territory be
regarded, Vermont will be found to have 185, New York 112,
and New Hampshire 65 to the square mile."

" Addison County, when compared with the other counties in
the State, will be found to have eleven and six-hundredths, Rut-
land eight and eighty-five hundredths, Grand Isle seven and four
hundredths, and Bennington six and nineteen hundredths to each
inhabitant. If territory be regarded, Addison has three hundred
and seventy-three, Grand Isle three hundred and thirty-four,
Rutland tAvo hundred and eighty-three, "Windsor two hundred and
sixty-one. Orange two hundred and forty and Chittenden two hun-
dred and twenty-one to a square mile." " This array of figures ia
no idle speculation. They represent facts, which show the immense

HISTOilY Ut" ALilJl::ON COUNTY. VJ

Stake the f;irm'?r,-j of Addison Couulj possess in this branch of
husbandry."

If w6 had the time and the resolution, vrc should like to draw a
similar eouiparison from the census of 1850. But we haA'e neither.
In order, however, to give as good an idea as we are able, of v>-hat
h.is been and is the amount of transactions in this department, we
have collected from a few of the principal farmers, who are engaged
in this business, some facts relating to their operations. The design
of them all has been to improve their flocks, as well bjr breeding as
purchasing, that thej may be able to supply the market with the
best wool and best sheep-

llollin J. Jones, Esq., of Cornwall, having decided in 1844, to
engage in sheep husbandry, proceeded to make careful selections
from several of the best pure blood Spanish Merino flocks in New
England, in every instance paying for a first choice. In his first
purchase, he expended about two thousand dollars. From these
have been bred his present flock, and those he has sold of that breed.
And his experience in breeding this class of sheep, has more and
more confirmed him as to their value. Sales have been made. of
those in most of the Kew England, Middle and Western States.
In many places, Avhere they have been introduced, they have ob-
tained premiums at State and County fairs over numerous compet-
itors. In 1849, S. B. Rockwell, Esq., of the same place, now re-
siding in Jliddlebury, became associated with him as a partner.

Messrs. Jones and Rockwell, since their connection, have been em-
inently successful. In 1852, owing to repeated applications for
French Sheep, which had been introduced into the country about
six years before, they invested in the purchase of these sheep
^2,200 ; a part of which included a first choice from the flock of
Merrill Bingham. These sheep, they say, Avere the most perfect of
the kind they had ever seen. In 1853, they purchased of Soloman
W. Jcwett, of "VVeybridge, one entire shipment of French Sheep,
imported by him in April of that year. These purchases, with
some subsequently made, cost $18,000. For several years previous
to the spring of 1855, vrhen this information was communicated,
their annual sales varied from eicrht to twelve thousand dollars. For

100 niSTOKY OF ADDISOIC C0U:5TY.

the cigliteen months next preceding, they amounted to $£6, COO.
Thej have been in the practice, as many of the principal dealers
have been, of taking their sheep for sale to the Western States, es-
pecially to Ohio. Their flock on hand, at the date above mentioned,
numbered six hundred, one half imported Erench Merinos, and their
descendants. They have a high opinion of the French as well as
Spanish MerinoS; and th".nk a cross between these breeds vrould be
advantageous.

William R. Sanford, Esq., of Orv/ell, and Messrs. V\'illiam S.
and Edwin Hammond of Middlebury, have, for several yeai'S, been
extensively engaged in breeding and dealing in sheep. ' For our
convenience we treat of the operations of these parties together, as
they have been, to some extent, connected, and much of our infor-
mation relatiniT to both, has been obtained from Edwin Hammacd.
Esq. They both breed the pure Spanish Merinos, descendants of
the flock, which Col. Humphreys, who was at the time American
Minister to Spain, imported into Connecticut in 1802, or of the
flocks, which W^illiam Jarvis, Esq., then American Consul in Spain,
imported in 1809, 1810 and 1811. These they greatly prefer to
any more recently imported, or to any other breed. The usual flock
of Ivlr. Sanford numbers from 250 to 500. Messrs. Hammond's
flock, at this time, (1855) numbers 400, including lambs. The
sales of both have been uniformly made at home.

In a communication from Mr. Sanford, published in the Albany
Cultivator^ for September 1844, he says : "In 1829, I purchased
of Messrs. Grant and Jenison of Walpole, N. H., twenty old full
blood Merino ewes, which were purcliased by them, when lambs, of
Hon. Mr. Jarvis, and warranted full blood. These I have kept dis-
tinct and pure, and from them have reared a flock. The ewes yield
an average of four pounds and over to the fleece of clean, hand-
some wool. Messrs. Grant and Jenison, bought these sheep from
Mr. Jarvis before the Saxony sheep were introduced into the coun-
try, and were of course pure ; and since I have had them, I have
taken a good deal of pains and trouble to keep thern so. I liave
purchased three superior bucks from Mr. Jarvis, and by using them
and my own rearing have kept them pure." Since the above, Mr.

HISTORY Of /JDDI.^aX COUNTY. 101

Sanford iia:3 made several purchasaa, to a large amount, Oi descend-
ants of Col. Ilumplireya' flock. At the National Exhibition of
cattle and horses, at Boston, in October 1855, Mr. Sanford obtained
the second premium on Spanish Merino bucks, two years old and
over ; the first premium on bucks under two years old, and on ewea
the two first premiums; and at the Vermont State Fair at Rutland,
i n September of that year, the first premium on Spanish Merino
buck lambs and ewe lambs.

In 1844, Messrs. Hammond, wishing to improve their fiock and
extend their operations, examined the most important flocks in
several New England States, and among others, that belonging to
Stephen Atwood, of Watertown, Conn., and selected and purchased
from his flock, thirty, and in the next four years several more.
These Mr. Atwood had from Col. Humphreys' flock, under such
circumstances, that ho had satisfactory assurance that they were
pure and free from Saxony and other breeds. From these their
present flock has been bred.

Mr. Sanford and the Messrs. Hammond, having for several years
increased and improved their flocks by breeding " in and in," were
desirous of finding other sheep, at least as good as theirs, to cross
with them, and Mr. Sanford, in behalf of both parties, went to
Europe for the purpose of examining the best flocks in the different
countries, and of purchasing the best he could find. He examined
the most distinguished in Spain and France. In the former country
he found none which he was willing to import ; in the latter he
purchased twenty French Merinos. He went then into Germany,
and, with the advice and aid of the American Consul, at Stuttgard,
who had made himself thoroughly informed on the subject, and who
accompanied him for a fortnight, he examined the most celebrated
flocks in the different States of Grermany, and extended his examina-
tion as far as Prussia, and there purchased twenty Silesian sheep.
These and the French sheep he imported. The French are much
larger than the Spanish Merinos, or their descendants, with fleeces
in proportion. But Mr. Hammond states, that the wool is not so
even, varying in different parts of the body. The Silesian sheep

are smaller than the Spanish, but the wool is fine. They did not

14 '

102 HISTORY OF ADDISON COUI^'TY.

regard either of these as an improvement of their flocks and iir me-
diately sold them.

Mr. Edwin Hammond tliinks the Spanish sheep have improved
greatly since their importation into this country, and especially in
this County; and that there are better sheep in the County of Addi-
son than in any other fart of the world. This opinion is founded
on his own personal examination of many of the best flocks in this
country, and the examination by Mr. Sanford and others of the
most celebrated flocks in Europe. He offered, he said, to Mr.
Sanford, on his going to Europe, one thousand dollars for a pair of
imported sheep, as good as his, with a view of crossing them with
his present flock ; but Mr. Sanford found none such during his tour.

The price of Mr. Hammond's sheep has increased every year.
In 1853 their sales amounted to ^7,000 ; in 1854 they sold tv.o
ewes for .$1200, and six others for" $1200. Their bucks that year
were sold from $500 down to $10 — the latter being culls. The
whole averaged $29, each. They have this year (1855,) sheared
from two two year old bucks, 22 and 23 pounds; in 1854, from
one yearling ewe 12, and from one two year old ewe 13 pounds.
The wool was not washed on the sheep, but was clean.

Solomon "VY, Jewett, Esq., of YVeybridge. had for many years
been an extensive dealer in grade sheep. In 1843 he began to
interest himself in pure blood sheep. He purchased of the de-
scendants of the Merinos imported by Col. Humphreys, Mr. Jarvis
and others. Among others he purchased the celebrated buck
" Fortune," a descendant of Mr. Jarvis's importation. Mr. Jewett
raised from that buck about 200 lambs annually, which he sold
from ten to twenty-five dollars, and some as high as $50 each.
He sold several sheep sired by this buck, to Henry S. Eandall, Esq.,
of Cortland Y^iliage, N. Y., on which he received the first and
second premiums at the State Fair at Poughkeepsie in 1844, and
with which, together with Mr. JcAvett's buck, he published a
challenge for competition, to the whole country.

In 1845, Mr. Jewett imported from England ten Spanish Meri-
nos from the flock of Lord Weston, of Essex, who was the most
noted breeder, and had the best flock of Spanish sheep in England.

HISTORY OF ADDISON COUNTY. 103

Sk hundred of these shcop, ho states, having been presented, in
1803, to George III. That king gave Lord Weston the privilege
of selecting from the flock, when first landed at Plymouth. These
Mr. Jewttt thinks vrere much inferior to the best flocks in this
country. From the above, and some other additions, he kept for
several years a flock of from 500 to GOO blooded sheep.

In 1851, iMr. Jewett-went to Europe, for the purpose of examin-
ing and purchasing sheep, and has been tAvice since for the game
purpose. In France he purchased, at fifteen or twenty shipments,
83ven hundred French Merinos, which he selected from the three best
flocks in that country, owned by jNIessrs. Gilbert, Cugnot and
Guerin, and a few from the government flock at Rambouillot. These
sheep, including expenses cost about $55,000. He has sold most
of these at an average of about $!lOO, each, the sales amounting to
from 15 to 20,000 dollars annually. He sold one pair, a buck and
ewe at ^600. He also imported from Spain in 1854, ten sheep,
through Mr. Haddock, the American Minister to Portugal ; but not
being such as he wished to keep, he butchered them.

As to the relative value of the different breeds of sheep, Mr.
Jewett's opinion is, that, if the farmer's object is to raise mutton,
as well as wool, the French Merinos of the first quality are the best ;
but for wool only, the Spanish. He has had an opportunity, not
only for a personal examination of the best flocks in this country
and in Europe, but has examined the published accounts of the
weight of the fleeces of Spanish sheep in both countries, and his
opinion is that they have greatly improved in this country since
their importation. Referring particularly to the flock of the Messrs.
Hammond of Middlebury, he expressed the opinion, that the fleeces
of their sheep exceed, by one third or more, the fleeces of the native
Spanish sheep. Indeed he expresses the decided opinion, that their
flock is the best flock in the ivorld.

Alonzo L. Bingham and Merrill Bingham, brothers of Cornwall,
have been as long and as extensively engaged in the sheep business as
any other farmers in the County. They have been not only large
breeders but large purchasers ; and have sold large numbers for
many years in the Western, Middle and Southern States. From

104 HI3T0F.Y 0? ADDISON COUNTY.

Merrill Bingham personally, vre have had no information. From
Alonzo L. Bingham, -vve learn that he has. been engaged in the
breeding, purchasing and selling sheep for twenty years. He, for
many years and until 1846, devoted his attention exclusively to
Spanish Merinos, purchased from different importers.

In 1846, he commenced breeding French Merinos, and has im-
ported large numbers through John A. Tainter, Esq., of Hartford,
Conn. He now prefers the French sheep, and gives his whole at-
tention to them. When his attention was given to the Spanish, ho
had a flock of twelve hundred. — although not always so many — ■
and raised annually from four to five hundred, kfince he com-
menced with French sheep, his iiock has been less ; but he has
raised from them annually more than he has ewes, — many of them
having twins. At the State fair in the fall of 1855, ho received
not less than nine premiums on different classes of French sheep.

In the Vermont Register of May 31st, 1854, we find an article
containing a statement of his sales from September 1st 1853, to
May 1st, 1854, from which we collect the following summary.
The sheep were French Merinos, and the amount of sales, during
the above mentioned eight months, was ^43,302,50. All but the
amount of ^7,033, which were sold by an agent at the west, were
sold by himself on his farm in Cornwall, to persons living in each
of the States of Virginia, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Illinois,
New York, Missouri, Connecticut and Vermont. He states also,
that his sales of sheep for the last year,* have amounted to
between thirty and forty thousand dollars ; and that the average
price for which his French sheep have been sold, is $175. Mr.
Bingham thinks, that both the Spanish and French sheep are
greatly improved by being raised in this County. He says it is
admitted, all over the west, that the sheep of Addison County are
superior to any others ; and that Mr. Tainter, who has been a largo
importer, says, that he found no such Spanish sheep in Europe, as
in this County, and that French sheep are also greatly improved here.

* TVe wish the reader to bear in mind, that the ibaterials for thtse chapters were
obtained in 1855 and the chapters written at that time,

HISTORY OF ADDISON CoUNTY. 105

As a speaimaa oF the weight of Mr. Bingham's fleeces, at liij
shcop-shearing in 1852, (wo have no later information) we give tho
following extract from an editorial article in the Middlebury Roi;-
ister of May 2Gth of that year. "We select the -following particu-
lar instances from those sheared on the first day.

CARCAS3. FLEECE.

No. 16 107 pounds. 21 pounds.

•• 23 Oil " 20

" 25 134i " 23i '^

" 26 80 V '< 19i "

'•■ 33 lll.i " 18 "

Tliere were thirty-three sheared on that day, " nearly or quite all
yearling ewes.''

The agriculturists named, are proha'uly the most extensive deal-
ers in the County. But there are many others, who are largely
engaged in breeding and in the improvement of their flocks, in every
part of the County; some of whom are more or less also employed in
the trafic. But we are not able to detail their operations. The
raising of wool takes precedence of all other branches of farming in
almost every town. We should be glad to avail ourselves of any
means in our power to give a definite statement of the number of
sheep, and the annual amount of the crop of wool in the County.
We have spoken of the extensive trafio as an historical fact. But
it is the breeding and improvement of the flocks, which is the more
appropriate business of the agriculturist. The success which has
attended this department has induced the trafic, to which w^e have re-
ferred. The speculations and the extravagant prices and profits,
' which have arisen from this source may to some extent die away,
when the country is more generally supplied with the best breeds ;
but while the County sustains the reputation of raising the best
sheep, there will bo a market for them for recruiting and improving
the flocks in less favored regioas of the country.

106 HISTOKY OF ADDISOX COUNTY.

CHAPTER X.

CATTLE — HOUSES.

The standing of Vermont is generally strikingly shovrn bj tlio
reports of the Boston cattle market ; in v,'hicli tbe number from this
State appears, from week to week, to be nearly double those of any
other New England State, Of these, Addison County, we believe,
furnishes its full share ; and it is represented, that the exhibitions,
at the annual County fairs, are not inferior to those of any other
County. But the farmers have made fewer eiforts in that depart-
ment, than in those of sheep and horses. AYe regret that, with all
our diligence, we have not been able to ascertain, from thosQ who
best know, what efforts have been made and the success which has
attended them. At an early day, Thomas Byrd, Esq., of Vergen-
nes, and soon after General Amos W. Barnura, of the same place,
introduced into that neighborhood a considerable number of import-
ed English breeds , and the full blood and cross breed of Ayer-
shires, Herefords and Durhams, are quite common in the north part
of the County, and, to some extent, prevail in other parts. Wight-
man Chapman, Esq., then of Weybridge, kept on his farm, for
eight or ten years, a very celebrated Ayershire bull, presented to
him by John P. Cushing. Esq., of Massachusetts, which was es-
teem.ed by many the best bull in the country. The editor of the
Allxmy Culticatoi\ who had examined him, in the number for
August 1845, says : " He is a good bull, has a small clean head,
clean limbs, a well shaped body and mellow skin. With the excep-
tion of Mr. Archibald's bull, sent to the Poughkeepsie Show from
Montreal, he is decidedly the best bull we have ever seen." The
blood of this animal has been extensively diffused through the
cattle in the central parts of the County. Governor Jenison, in the

HISTOIIY OF AD:>I>i;o:> COUNTY. 107

address, from AvLicli -sve Lave so largely quoted, in referr:ng to the
*' effects and general results of the introduction " of foreign breeds,
says : "I venture the asriei'tion, that where a favorite individual is
found, could the pedigree be traced in most instances, you would
not go many removes back before you would run against somo
one of the imported improved breeds of stock." But the num-
])er of full bloods of any of these breeds is quite limited. Cyrus
Smithy Erf(,p, of Vergennes, has a celebrated Durham bull, which
took the first premium at the State fair in Rutland, and at the Ad-
dison County fair at Middlcbury this year, (1855) Alonzo L. Bing-
liani of Cornwall, obtained several premiums, at the State fair, on
Darhain, Ilercfjrd and Devon cattle. Horatio Plumloy of Kew
Haven, has a full blood Durham cow, from which he has raised
several excellent calves, and obtained, at the County fair, the sec-
ond premium on a bull, which was one of them. Vl. E,. Sanford,
Esq., of Orwell, two or tliree years since, imported two cows and
one calf of the Devonshire breed, has bought a few since, and now
has eight full bloods, besides two, Avhich he lately sold to the Messrs.
Hammond of Middleburj^, who from them have raised two calves.
Mr. Sanford says, that tlic beef of this breed sells higher in En;7-
land than any other. At the National Exhibition in Boston, and
at the Vermont State fair, he received several premiums on Devon
cattle. At the State fair Messrs. Hammond obtained the first pre-
mium on bull calves of this breed.

Vv''e are glad to learn that a movement is in contemplation for tho
improvement of cattle in the County.

HORSES.

The reputation of the County, and the enthusiasm in the breed-
ing of horses, among the farmers, do not suffer much in comparison
with those in regard to sheep. Vermont horses have a reputation
through the whole country. The original stock consisted of such
as were common in the States from Avhich the emigrants came.
In some of these States, and especially Connecticut, considerable
efforts had been previously made to improve the stock. In the
year 1810, Ep. Jones, Esq., introduced and kept in Middlebury.
for three or four years, a ver}- l)eautiful. full-blood Arabian horse.

103 HISTORY OF ADDISON COUXTT.

called the "Young Dej of Algiers." His desc indents formed a
very excellent breed. But the farmers had not then come to ap-
preciate sufficiently the improvement in horses to patronize the high
prices, which his services required, and ho was removed. Since
that, at various times, diiierent stallions have been kept in the
County, and among them the " Old Messenger," an imported En-
glish horse, and his descendants ; from -which the stock has been
from time to time improved.

The present prevailing stock consists of the different branches of
the Morgan horse. These originated from the horse generally
known by the name of the "Justin Morgan." This horse was
brought, when two years old, by Justin Morgan, from Springfield,
Mass., from which place he removed to Randolph, Vermont, in
the year 1795, and was kept by him there until March, 1798,
vrhen LIr. Morgan died. He was then sold to William Rice, of
Woodstock. It does not appear that he was much thought of, or
that much care was taken of him, until the excellence of his stock
was revealed by his colts. His sire was the " True Britain, or
Beautiful Bay," which was raised by Gen. Delancey, commander
of the refugee forces on Long Island, and was afterwards kept one
season by Justin i^Ioigan. The True Britain was sired by the
Traveller, an imported horse also owned by Gen. Delancey. The
dam of the Justin Morgan was said to be a descendant of Wild Air,
imported also by Gen. Delancey. Mr. Joshua Scott, of A'^ergennes,
who has been acquainted with the Morgan horses from the first of
that breed, has a record which traces back the pedigree of the sire
and dam of the first ^lorgan to the Arabian Horse Godolphin, in
England, which we do not think of importance enough to insert
here. Mr. Scott states that four of the colts of Justin Morgan
were kept as stallions, and from them were derived the several
branches of that breed ; to-wit : " Woodbury," owned and kept by
Mr. Woodbury, at Rochester, Vermont, until twelve years old, and
afterwards owned successively by Mr. Walker, of Chelsea, and Peter
Burbank, of Newbury: "Sherman," owned by Mr. Sherman, of
Barre, and afterwards kept by John Bellows, Esq., of Bellows
Falls; "Bulrush," rai.scd in Williamstown, and •'•' Revenge," kept

HISTORY OJ? ADDISON COUNTY. 109

for a while in this State, and aftsr wards removed. The dam^ of
the Woodbury and Sherman were of English descent. Mr. Scott
thinks that three-fourths of the horses now generally knovrn as
Morgan, are of the Woodbury branch. Among the colts of the
Woodbury was the Gifford. This was the sire of the Green Moun-
tain Morgan, whose dam was also of that breed. This horse is or
was owned by Silas Hale, of Barre, Mass., and, we believe, is the
most noted of those known as Morgan horses. He was kept two
seasons, a few years since, in Middlebury. in this County. The Gif-
ford was also kept by Mr. Scott, in 1831, in the same place. The
Ilacket Horse, owned and kept by Col. Hacket, in ]^.Iiddlebury, for
several years, was sired by the Gifford, from a Woodury dam. The
Flying j).Iorgan, sired by the Hacket horse, and owned by Riley
Adams, of Burlington, and distinguished for his speed in trotting,was
for some time kept in this County. Woodbuiy 2d, raised by Mr.
Scott, and now eight years old, is still kept by him in Yergennes,
and is the only real "Woodbury liorse kept for mares in the County.

Mr. Weissinger, one of the editors of the Louisville, Ky., Jour-
nal, who, some ten years ago, made a tour through Vermont, and other
eastern States, and took pains to examine the best horses of the
general Jdorgan breed, as quoted by the Cultivator, says, "There
is no doubt whatever of this, that the breed of the Morgan horse
was and is now, in the few instances where it can be found, far the
best breed of horses for general service, that was ever in the United
States, probably the best in the world; and it is remarkable,
that this breed was and is now known by many striking peculiari-
ties, common to nearly everj^ individual."

The old Woodbury Morgan, at twenty years old, was sold for
$1300. Mr. Hale says, " several stallions, begotten by Green
Mountain Morgan," of which he was the owner, "have sold as
high as $1500 ; many have brought prices ranging from $800 to
$1200 ; geldings and mares from |300 to $800 ; few less than
$200. The Woodbury and other breeds generally designated as
Morgans, are less generally found in this County than in the eastern
part of the State ; and in New Hampshire and Massachusetts,
having been generally sold and removed.

110 IIISTOKY OS ADDISON COUXTY.

The Black Havvk and his descendants are more generally found
here. This horse was sired bj the Sherman Morgan, then owned
by John Bellows, Esq., of Bellows Falls, and his dam was a largo,
black mare and fast trotter, and is said to have been a half-blood
English, raised in Kew Brunswick. lie was raised by Mr. Twom-
bh^-, of Greenland, N. H.. and when four years old, was purchased
by Benjamin Thurston of Lovfell, Mass. In the year 1844,
David Hill, Esq., of Bridport in this County purchased him of
Mr. Thurston, and has kept him in that place ever since. Mr.
Weissinger, from whom we have before quoted, says of him, " I
think he deserves all the praise that has been bestowed on him.
He is the finest stallion I ever saw. His legs are ilat and broad,
shoulders well set back, loin and back bone very strong, length of
hip beyond anything I ever saw, as quick in breaking as the bullet
from the rifle, head and neck faultless ; in motion, mouth open,
crest sublime, legs carried finely under him, square and even, and
fore legs bending beautifully." Vfe might quote other printed
descriptions and recommendations of him, but it does not comport
with our design.

Nearly all his colts more or less exhibit his traits. In this
County they have become very common. Almost every farmer
is anxious to obtain a Black Havfk colt. He has also a high repu-
tation in almost every State. Probably the stock of no horse, ever
kept in this country, has been so extensively knovrn and so highly
appreciated. Mr. Hill says, — '• It is claimed by many of our best
judges, that "this is anew and permanent variety or breed. By
this is meant that they possess peculiar points so uniform and dis-
tinct from the immediate ancestors of Black Hawk, that he is justly
entitled to be considered the parent or head of a distinct class."
He says also, " Black Hawk has sired, I think, fully one hundred
colts a year, since I owned him. His colts are now distributed
throughout nearly all, if not all, the States of the Union, and
several are in Canada. I know of some owned in every State
except" five southern and south-western States. He says, 'Hliis
breed of horses have great beauty and symmetry, are high-spirited,
yet docile and tractable : are more generally adapted for light and

ni:rroiiY of ajddison county. Ill

rapid driving ; have great courage and endurance ; many arc adapted
for the farmer's ''allvrork" horses, and few or none for the slow
and heavy coach."

Mr. Hill has furnished us the following information of the prices
at v.'hich some of Black Hawk's colts have been sold. Fifty
colts, including a few geldings, and mares, sold in Bridport, have
averaged over {JI5GOO each. Eight, sold by himself, consisting of
four fillies, one gelding, two three year old and one four year old
stallions have averaged over ^700 each. " The following," ho
says, "area few of the most noted of this horse's stock, with prices
paid or oifered for them. Ethan Allen, $10,000, Red Leg, a geld-
ing, {SI, 750, Black Kawk Maid, a mare, $1,600. The above
were all from the same dam, and raised by Joel W. Ilolcorab, of
Ticonderoga, N. Y.. Belle of Saratoga, a mare raised by David
Hill, $4,200; Know Nothing, a gelding, $5,500; David Hill, now
in California, $10,000; Ticonderoga, $5,000; Hammitt colt,
$5,000 ; Sherman Black Hawk, $5,000 ; Plato, three years old,
$3,000; Flying Cloud, of Ohio, $3,000; Rip Van Winkle, two
years old, $2,000."

Black Hawk * is now (1855) twenty-one years old, and there is
so great demand for his services, that the price charged for each
mare the present season is one hundred dollars.

The Rutland and Burlington Rail Road, from Burlington to
Bellows Falls, and passing through the whole length of this County,
which was first opened about the first of January, 1850, has ad-
vanced the prosperity of agriculture beyond any other influence.
It has opened a direct and rapid communication with Boston and
New York, which are adequate markets for all the agricultural
productions of the County at high prices. The result has been to
raise the price of all agricultural products. The price of la,nds in
the vicinity, by the same means, has also been raised from 25 to 50
per cent, and in some cases doubled. And if those who have con-
tributed so liberally for the construction of the road, have lost their
whole investment, the farmers have gained as much. One obvious

* Black Hawk ha3 diocl ginoo the above was written.

112 HISTOllY OF ADDISON COU:>^TY.

benefit, resulting from this influence, iias been to raise tbe amount
and quality of tbo productions of the dairy. There is now no
danger of getting any but good butter from any farmer. *

* fcfcs Appenrlli No. 2, fjr agricultural and other pi-oO.ucts in the County.

HISTORY OF ADLISJX COLXTY. • 113

CHAPTER XL

AGIilCULTURAL SOCIETY — MEDICAL SOCIETY.

A^ agricultural society, at an carlj day, was formed in this
County, and continued an annual fair for several years ; but soon
declined for want of legislative encouragement.

T!he legislature in 1843, passed an act to give encouragement for
formin;^ aE^ricultural associations. This act authorizes the formation
of agricultural societies in each County, which, when organized,
become legal corporations with the usual powers necessary to accom-
plish their design, and the object of them is declared to be " to en-
courage and promote agriculture, domestic manufactures and the
mechanic arts." The treasurer of the State is authorized to pay
annually to each society a share of two thousand dollars, appropri-
ated for the whole State, in proportion to the population of tho
County, in which it is established, provided that as large a sum
shall have been otherwise raised.

Under this act, a society was formed by a convention held at Mid-
dlebury, on the 22d of January 1844, by the name of "The Addi-
son County Agricultural Society." By the constitution adopted on
that occasion, its object is declared to be " the improvement of agri-
cultural productions, useful domestic animals, domestic manufac-
tures and the mechanic arts, so far as they concern the interest of
agriculture." The payment of one dollar is made the condition of
annual membership, and the payment of fifteen dollars, the condi-
tion of life membership. The officers of the society, are to be
a president, two vice presidents, secretary and treasurer. A board
of managers is constituted, consisting of the above officers, and one
member from each town, where ten members reside ; who are author-
ized " to have a general supervision of the ajQfairs of the society,

114 HISTORY OF .\DDISON COUNTY.

fix upon such productions, experiments, discoveries or a,ttainments
in agriculture and horticulture, and upon such articles of manufac-
ture, as shall come in competition for premiums at the agricultural
fairs, also upon the number and amount of premiums, and the time
and place of holding fairs." The oSicers are to be chosen at an
annual meeting, to be held at Middleburj, on the first ^Yednesday
of January, which was afterwards altered to the fourth Wednesday
of that month. The first meeting was held on the same day the
society was organized, and Hon. Silas H. Jenison was elected presi-
dent, and Harvey Bell, Esq., secretaiy.

The first fair was held at the court house and adjoining grounds
in Middlebury, October 1st 1844, and an address was delivered by
Hon. Silas H. Jenison, which was printed, and from which we have
already largely quoted. The fairs in 1845 and 1847, were held at
Vergennes ; at the former of which an eloquent and interesting ad-
dress was made by Rev. Dr. Wheeler, President of the University
of Vermont. Addresses have also been made at other fairs ; of
which we have not now sufficient information to o ive a correct state-
ment. The fair in 1849 was held in Shoreham. All the others have
been held in Middlebury. At the annual meeting in January 1852,
the constitution was so altered as to aiTthorize the managers to fix
on a permanent location for the annual exhibitions ; and they, at a
meeting in June of that year, fixed on Middlebury for that purpose,
provided the citizens should provide suitable grounds and fixtures,
and pay one hundred dollars annually towai'd the expenses. Since
that time the fairs have been held on grounds leased from Gen.
Nash, in the north part of the village, where temporary fixtures
were erected. These grounds have now been sold and appropriated
to another use.

Several gentlemen in the County have recently purchased a tract
of twenty-two acres, south' of the court house, which formerly
belonged to Jonathan Wainwright, including the barns and exten-
Bive sheds, erected for keeping and preparing for market his horses,
when he was largely engaged in that trafic. Here they design to
erect permanent fixtures upon a large scale for the accommodation
of the annual exhibitions. Arrangements are in progress to raise

lIIdTOHY OF AUL'IiON COUNTY. 115

the rc(iuislt3 fuuds to transfer the title to the corporation ; but. until
this is accomplished the society will pay rent to the proprietors.

Hitherto the fairs have fullj met the expectations of the most
sanguine. Many of them have been interesting and extensive, and,
we think, have produced a favorable effect in stimulating efforts for
improvement, and securing advancement in all the departments
within the province of the society. There have been exhibited an
extensive variety of the products of agriculture, horticulture, and
of domestic and other manufactures ; and very often of numerous
and fine specimens of painting, drawing and various kinds of orna-
mental work by native artists. After v.hat we have said of the stock
department of agriculture, none will be disappointed v.dien Ave say,
that the exhibitions have been large and splendid in cattle, horses
and sheep. Vfhatever others may say, the citizens of Addison
(- ounty will not shrink from a comparison with the exhibitions of stock
of any other County in the State, or perhaps of any other State.

The followincc have been the presidents and secretaries of tbo
Bociety.

Ftt 'M TEKSIDHNT. TO FROM SECRETARIHS. TO

1844 Silas H. Jenison, 1848. 1844 Harvey Bell, 1847.

1848 Elias Bottum, 1850. 1847 E. W. Blaisdell, Jr. 1850.

1850 Charles L. Smith, 1852. 1850 Joseph H. Barrett, 1857.
1852 Harvey Munsill, 1754. 1857 Justus Cobb, still in office.
1854 Edwin Hammond, 1857.
1857 Yv^illiam R. Sanford, still in office.

ADDISON COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

The legislature, at their session in .1813, passed an act author-
izinof several physicians in each county by name, to form themselves
into County Medical Societies, by the name of the Medical Society
of the County in which they should be formed. And the societies
were severally to be corporations with the usual powers, necessary
for the purposes, for which they were designed ; and were author-
ized to adopt and alter a corporate seal. They were to have power
to assess taxes on the members, " for the purpose of procuring a
library and suitable apparatus, and for other uses."' provided the

116 HISTOllY OF ABDISOX COUNTY.

tax shall not exceed three dollars. The officers authorized by Ihe
law are a president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, librarian
and three or more censors. to hold their offices for one year, or until
others ai-e chosen. The several societies were required to " hold
semi-annual meetings in the shire town in each county, at the time
of the sitting of the County Court, for the purpose of establishing
and regulating the libraries of said society, receiving and communi-
cating medical information, examining students," and any other
proper business. The act requires that students examined and ap-
proved hj the censors " possess a good moral character," and '• have
pursued the studies of phj^sic or surgery at least three years ;" and,
being approved, shall receive a diploma from the president, which
shall entitle him to all the privileges of a member of the society.
The same act authorizes the formation of a State Society, to consist
of three delegates from each County Society.

The physicia-ns named in tlie act for this County are William
Bass^ Edvi-ard Tudor, Ebenezer Huntington, Asher Nichols, John
Wilson, Nicanor Needham, Frederic Ford Jr., John Lyman,
Frederic Ford, William Guile, John Willard, Luther E. Hall,
James Day, Dan Stone, Levi Warner, David McCollister, Martin
Gay, Zenas Shaw, Josiah W. Hale.

Li ])ursuancc of this act the physicians named met at Middle-
bury on the 15th of Decemxber, 1813, and organized the Addison
County Medical Society, and elected the following officers ; Ebene-
zer Huntington, of Vergennes, President, William Bass, of Mid-
dlebury. Vice President, Luther E. Hall, Vergennes, Secretary,
Frederic Ford, Cornwall, Treasurer, William Bass, Librarian, Dan
Stone, Edward Tudor, Frederic Ford, Jr., John Lyman and David
McCollister, Censors. Luther E. Hall and Dan Stone were ap-
pointed a Committee to report a code of by-laws. It was further
voted, that future meetings shall be held at Dr. William Bass's, in
Middlebury, and that the President deliver an inaugural address,
before the society, at their next meeting. This meeting Avas ad-
journed to the 19th of January, 1814. At this meeting the Presi-
dent delivered his inaugural address, and a code of by-laws, reported
by the committee, was adopted. William Bass and Luther E.

HISTORY OF ADDISON COUNTY. 117

lliill and Dan Stone -vvcre also appointed a committee, to " present
to the Society a device for a seal and form of diploma." At the
first meeting a tax of one dollar was assessed, which at the next
was increased to one dollar and fifty cents ; and at both these meet-
ings, candidates were examined and licensed.

The society thus organized continued in full life and vigor until
about the year 1824. Dissertations and addresses on medical sub-
jects, under appointment for that purpose, were read ; difficult and
uncommon cases of disease and their treatment reported by the
mem])ers; new members admitted, candidates examined and ap-
proved by the censors received diplomas, taxes were assessed,
a library cojlccted and delegates regularly elected to the State
Society. In 1822, the State Society commenced a series of resolu-
tions proposing measures for the regulation of the County Societies:
One requiring the County Societies to make an annual report of
the " diseases prevalent in the County during the year," ••under
a penalty of five dollars fine on failure ; '"' one prescribing new
qualifications for the admission of candidates for license ; and
another affixing a penalty of five dollars for a neglect of the County
Society to "send their proceedings to the State Society, annually,
as required by law ; " also a regulation respecting the dismission
or withdrawing of members from the County Societies.

These proceedings were not received with much fiivor by this
County Society ; and at the annual meeting in December, 1824,
a committee was appointed to take into consideration the proceed-
ings of the State Society, and ' 'report some plan of management for
our Library." At an adjourned meeting the committee reported,
recommending a dissolution of their connection with the State
Society ; and another committee was appointed to confer with the
other County Societies on the subject. At a meeting in June,
1825, a resolution was passed instructing the delegates to request
the State Society to '• petition the Legislature so to alter the act of
incorporation as to render the County Societies independent of the
State Society."

The result of the proceedings, so far as appears of record, was

that, at a meeting in ^lay. 182(3, a resolution was adopted to "put

16

118 HISTORY OF ADDISON COUNTY.

up our library at auction to the members of this Society ;" and the
sale took place in June following, In the meantime, several mem-
bers had Avithdrawn with the consent of the Society few attended
the meetings, and the measure above mentioned was adopted, avb
suppose, to close the existence of the Society. The last meeting of
which there is any record, was in October 1826 ; when the whole
business related to closing the financial affairs of the Society.
The organization of subsequent societies seem to have been regarded
as a revival of this society, formed under the act of 1813, although
at each of these organizations, new constitutions were adopted.

Dr. Ebenezer Huntington, the firet president, was continued in
that office until 1823, Avhen Dr. Luther E. Hall Avas appointed,
and continued president until 182(3, when Dr. William Bass Mas
appointed the last president. Dr. Luther E. Hall was secretary
from 1813 to 1820, when Dr. Thomas P. Matthews was appointed
and continued to the close.

On the 21th of December, 1835, a County Medical Society was
organized and adopted a Constitution, and on the same day held its
first meeting. Dr. Jonathan A. Allen was chosen President, Dan C.
Stone and E. D. Warner, Vice Presidents, Ealpli Gowdey, Secretary,
and Atherton Hall, Treasurer. About six months after, in June,
1836, another meeting was held, and this closes its written history.

"The Addison County Medical Society"' was re-organized by a
convention held at Ycrgennes on the 30th day of June 1842,
adjourned from a preliminary meeting held at Middlebury two
Aveeks before. A hcav Constitution Avas then formed, by Avhicli the
object of the organization is declared to be, " to promote a knowledge
of medical and surgical science, and a friendly intercourse among
the members of the faculty." The officers of the Society are "a
President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Librarian, and
three Censors, together Avith the President and Vice President, Avho
shall be ex-officio Censors," and they are elected annually. "Any
regular practicioner of medicine, a graduate of any legally author-
ized medical institution, who resides Avithin the State, and shall
sign the constitution and by-laws, and conform to the objects de-
signed, may be a member of the society : and any person, who sus-

HISTORY OV ADDISON COUXTY. 119

tains a good moral character may become a member, who shall
have studied the science of medicine and surgery three years under
the direction of a regular practicioner, and attended at least one
course of medical lectures, in some legally established institution,
and has passed an examination by the censors, and by them recom-
mended."' Any person having passed such satisfactory examination
'• may become a member by signing the constitution and by-
laws, and receive, if he wish, a diploma by paying five dollars."
According to the by-laws, meetings are to be held "at jMiddlebury
semi-annually, on Thursday of the first week of the County Court."
The first meeting was held on the day on which the Constitution
was adopted, and Dr. J. A. Allen of Middlebury, was chosen
President, Dr. Dan C. Stone of Yergennes, Vice President, and
Dr. David C. Goodale of Addison, Secretary.

Since the last organization in 1842, the society has been in
efficient and successful operation. The meetings have generally
been regularly held and attended ; and we judge many of them
most interesting and profitable. A member at one meeting was often
appointed to make an address or read an essay on some important
subject at the next, and at all the meetings it was made the duty
of each member to report such interesting and difficult cases of
disease as had occurred in his practice, and each case was discussed
by the other members of the society. It was one of the rules of
the society that each person appointed president should make an
address at the close of the term for w^hich he was elected. At the
annual meeting in June, 1847, Dr. Jonathan A. Allen, having
officiated as President the previous year, read an address which
was published. From this we make a quotation, principally to
show how he regarded the influence of the organization. He says,
"It is now five years since the Addison County Society was
organized in its present form. During this period twenty meetings
have been held, generally well sustained by the attendance of the
members. Many facts, highly interesting to the profession, and
consequently useful to the public, have been presented. Much
valuable information has been elicited by our discussions, and wx
have every reason to believe that not a member has failed of adding

120 UISTOIIT OP ADDIi^ON COUXTY. *

to his general stock of practical knowledge. In addition to these
advantages, valuable acquaintances have been formed, generous,
elevated and kind professional feeling promoted. Many of these
endearments will reciprocally remain among our members until the
closing period of their existence. Jealousy, suspicion and want of
confidence have been almost entirely removed from our ranks.
Our members meet as friends. Consultations now. in lieu of being
objects of bickering, are generally dei^ired, and usually, by the
mutual and kind expression of opinion, result beneficially to the
sick." The whole community would feel safer if such an influence
should prevail generally among the doctors.

At a subsequent meeting in February, 1848. the death of Dr.
Allen was announced by Dr. Russel, who stated that "the princi-
pal object of the meeting was to adopt measures suitable to the
occasion" of his death. '-'The President, Dr. Bradford of Yer-
gennes, read a short but expressive paper concerning his life and
death;" and appropriate and commendatory resolutions were adopted.
The Society also appointed Dr. S. P. Lathrop, of Middlebury, to
prepare a biographical sketch, which was afterwards ordered to be
published in the Boston Medical and Surgical Journal.

The following have been the Presidents and Secretaries of the
Society.

FROM PRESIDENT. TO FROM SECRETARIES. TO

18-12 Jona'n A. Allen, Middlebury ,1844. 1842 David Goodale, Addison, 1844.

1 844 Joel Kice, Bridport, 1845. 1844 S. Pearl Lathrop, Middlebiiry,1846.

1845 Dan C. Stone, VergenncB, 1846. 1846 W. P. Russel, " 1847.

1846 Jonathan A. Allen, 1847. 1847 Charles L. Allen, still in office.

1847 A. Bradford , Vergenne.s, 1848. Dr. Allen is also Treasurer and Librarian.

1848 E. D. Warner, New Haven, 1850
1850 Earl Cushman, Orwell, 1856,
1855 E. D. Warner, still in office.

• HISTORY OF ADDISON COUNTY. 121

CHAPTER XIL

POPULATION — CUAIIACTER — ADVANTAGES — DANGERS.

The population of Addision County does not materially differ
from that of tlie other Counties in this State, and other New Eng-
land States. The whole exhibits the influence of the spirit of emi-
gration and colonization, which has prevailed and increased since
the first settlement of the country. The character of the whole
population of the country has been modified and, in many respects,
we think, improved by this disposition, especially in its spirit of en-
terprise and individuality. An individual, who has courage to leave
the place of his birth, and remove three hundred or a thousand miles
to the outskirts of civilization to better his condition, learns that there
are other places and people besides those he has left behind, and per-
haps equal or superior to them. Ilis views are enlarged, and his inqui-
ries are no longer confined to the limited sphere of his early home,
and he begins to think there may be still other regions beyond and
elsewhere. If he has energy to remove once, he has still more to
remove again, when profit or pleasure tempt him. He learns also
that there are other countries beyond the oceans, which encircle
him, and he looks to them as fields for indulging his thirst for spec-
ulation or his curiosity. Wherever he locates himself, he finds
other men and other customs and manners and ideas which are
new to him, and which he studies, and thus improves his own, and
shakes off his provincial habits and prejudices.

Added to this cause, which to some extent is common to all the
States, the early settlers of Vermont experienced a long course of
discipline in the hardships and self-denial and energy required for
their hard contested controversy, in defending themselves and tlieir
property against the oppressive claims of exterior powers, and
especially in the contest for their separate independence.

122 HISTORY OF ADDISON COUNTY.

Altliou'ifli we cannot boast of larc-e numljcrs of* learned men, like
some other States, more favorably situated, Ave do not shrink from
a comparison of the mass of our population, for general intelligence
and practical energy, with any other. Kot a few intelligent men,
who have long resided, in othei New England States and elsewhere,
have expressed to the writer of this sketch the conviction, that in
no State is the population of the same classes, and eapecially the
farmers, superior, if esjual, to that of Vermont. No State, we
believe, has sent out more efficient, practical and useful emigrants to
people the " new countries." Vermont is an inland State, and
agriculture is the pursuit of the great body of its iidiabitants ; and
she has no foreign commerce to build up large cities, Avhere great
wealth is accumulated, and learned men congregate.

Among the most important influences, which operate in modifying
the character of our population, are our liberal institutions, placing,
as they do, every man in the dignity and responsibility of a man.
And paramount to all others perhaps is that of town corporations,
which are common and almost peculiar to New England. They are
not only pure democracies, but they are schools, in which the prin-
ciples of democracy are taught ; where all meet on a common plat-
form, Avith equal rights and poAvers, not only as voters, but as can-
didates'for office. kTO numerous and extensiA^e are the legislative
and administrative powers Avithin their limits, that all haA-e an
opportunity to become acquainted Avith our laws and institutions,
acquire habits of public business and qualify themselves for higher
political trusts.

Our common schools and seminaries of learning for the instruction
of all classes, and our churches of various denominations, Avhere all
may meet for public worship and for instruction in their religions,
social and civil duties, are means of spreading general intelligence
and virtue through the community. Besides these e\'ery family is
more or less supplied with books and periodicals, Avhich keep them
informed of the passing events, and remind them of their duties to
their country and the world. The Avriter of this sketch has been as
long and as advantageously situated as any one to ascertain the
ability of all classes of men in this County to write, and he has no

IflST'ORY OF ADDISON COUNTY. 123

Recollection of more than one or two native Americans, residing in
tlie County, ■who coukl not write his own signature ; and these were
brought up in regions remote from schools. The twenty-five native
Americans, who are reported in the census of 1850, in this County,
as being unable to read or write, were probably similarly situated
in the early settlement of the country.

If the population of Addison County is distinguished from that
of any other County, it is occasioned by the influence of Middlebury
College situated among them. This influence is not confined exclu-
sively to this County : but no person, Avho has been long acquaintecl
with the history of that institution, has failed to observe its inilu-
ence upon the intelligence of the community in its ncigbborhood,
and in raising the standard of education in the subordinate institu-
tions. Few towns, if any, in the country, have alTorded a larger
number of young men for a collegia.te education, in proportion to
their population, than many of the towns in Addison County.

It may be mentioned as an evidence of the peaceable and orderly
character, as well as prosperity of the inhabitants, that courts of
justice have less -business in this County, in proportion to its popu-
lation, than in any other Count}'. I^o })crson has ever been
convicted of a capital oftence in the County. Four have been
tried for murder, one in 1815 and one in 1825 ; but both were con-
victed of only manslaughter. Another was since tried twice, but the
jury failed in both cases to agree on a verdict, and he was dis-
charged ; and the other was acquitted on account of insanit}^

From the foregoing sketches, it will bo seen, that the County of
Addison has sufficient resources for wealth and material prosperity,
and that its citizens have sufficient intelligence and enterprise, in
due time to develope them. It will be seen also, that they have
the means of intellectual, moral and religious improvement. And
we may well congratulate ourselves that we live in an agricultural
district, where there is a general social equality ; where there are
few so rich as to excite the envy and ill-will of their neighbors, or
to be free from the necessity of some active occupation or so poor as
to need charity. We have no large cities with their accumulated
masses of wealth, poverty and crime. We have no such wealth to

124 HISTORY OF ADDISON COUNTY,

foster extravagance, luxury and a factitious aristocracy, witli its
arbitrary conventional ceremonies, as in large cities sets at naught
the equality, simple manners and sober verities of the country.
AVe are not like them, beset on every hand by temptations to dissi-
pation and debauchery, and we have no such masses of corruption
to spread a moral pestilence through the atmosphere. We have no
such large collections of the refuse population of Europe — its
paupers and criminals — broke loose from the restraints of govern-
ment and law at home, that they may riot here in their imaginary
freedom from all restraints-; who nightly disturb the peace of the
community Avith riots and quarrels and murders ; and who are
ready at the call of designing politicians, to control our elections.
The institution of the family, so important in the country, for its
restraints and the cultivation of the social affections, is to a great
extent obliterated in some of the large towns. There hundreds of
children have no home but in the streets, and no associates but their
fellows in the same condition. The crowded population everywhere,
and the artificial conventionalisms of the more wealthy households
forbid the salutary restraints and separate and undisturbed inter-
course of the family circle. And thus the young grow up with
the feeling that they belong rather to the great public than to the
family in which they were born. These evils are not to be
charged to the inhabitants generally of larger towns, but are inci-
dent to, and inseparable from, their position. No more moral,
pious and philanthropic men are anywhere to be found. And yet
the evils exist.

We ought to bear in mind, that there is danger from this source
to the whole country, and that a serious responsibility rests upon
the people in the rural and agricultural districts, like the County of
Addison, in relation to them. The influence of large commercial
towns is gradually extending itself over the country for evil, as
well as for good. The evil influence may, and should be counter-
acted by an influence from the country. A large proportion of the
teachers and influential professional and business men, and of the
annual increase of the population, in the large towns, are educated
in, and are emigrants from the country. There is besides a constant

HISTORY OF ADDISON COUNTY. 125

intercourse and mutual influence going on between the city and

country. From the distinguished advantages enjoyed by the rural

diistricts, it is, we think, their province to save the rest of the

country. Our free institutions, as every one understands, will

depend on the intelligence and virtue of the people. It is therefore

the first duty of all patriotic citizens of Addison County, as well

for their own safety as for that of the country, to encourage and

support all needed educational and religious institutions in eflGicient

operation.

17

APPENDIX.

No. 1. — CjUibf Jddoes 01' xhe Codntt Coukt until TUi: NEW oRGAKiZAXiox or

THE JuDICIAliy IN 1825.

Names. Residence. AppiniUcd. Left. Years in OJfica

John Strong Addison, 178.5 1801 16

Joel Linsley, Cormval!, 1801 1807 6

Henry Oliu', Leicester, 1807 1308 1

Joel Linsley, Cormrall, 1808 1810 2

Henry Olin, Leicester, 1810 1824 14

Dorastus Wooatev, Middlebury, 1824 1825 1

Assistant Judges op Cocxty Coup.t.

Gamaliel Painter, Middlebury, 1785 1786 1

Ira Allen, Colchester, 1785 1786 1

William Brush, Vergcnnes, 1 786 1787 1

Abel Thompson, Panton, 1786 1787 1

Hiland Hall, Cornwall, 1 786 1 789 3

Samuel Lane, '■ 1786 1787 1

Gamaliel Painter, Middlebury, 1787 1795 8

Abel Thompson, Pauton, 1789 1801 12

Joel Linsley, Cornwall, 1795 1801 6

Abraham Dibble, Vergennes, 1801 1805 4

Henry Olin, Leicester, 1801 1807 6

Samuel Strong. Vei'genues, 1805 1808 3

Charles Rich Shoreham, 1807 1813 6

Henry Olin, Leicester, 1808 1810 2

Mathew Phelps, Jan., New Haven, 1810 1812 2

Samuel Shepard, Panton, 1812 1813 1

Samuel Strong, Vergennes, 1813 1815 2

EzraHoyt,.... New Haven, 1813 1818 5

Charles Rich, Shoreham, 1815 1816 1

William Slade, Jr Middlebury, 1816 1322 6

Stephen Ilaight, Jr Monktou, 181 8 1823 6

Klisha Bascom Shoreham, 1822 1824 2

Ezra Hoyt, New Haven, 1823 18^4 1

John S. Larabce, Shoreham. 1824 1825 1

APPEXDIX. 12 1

Nam/^r,. Residence. Appoinled.

Dauiel CoU.'ns, Monkton, 1824

Dorastus Wocstcr, MidcUebury, 1825

Eben W. Judd, " 1825

Sila3 H. Jenison , Shoreham, 1829

V/illiam Jlyrick, Bridport, 1831

Samuel II. Hollcy Bristol, 1833

Calvin Solace, Bridport, 1835

Davis Rich, Shoreham , 1 838

Calvia Solace, Bridport, 1812

Fordyco Iluutingtou, Yergennes, 1842

Dorastus Woostcr,. Middlebui-y, 1844

*.Tesse Grandoj' Panton , 1814

*Ville Laurence, Yergennes. 1845

Gcoi'ge Chipman, Eipton, ] 84C

Eiias Bottum, New Haven, 1847

r^alvin G. Tilden CornTvall, 1849

Nathan L. Keese, Ferrisburgh , 1 849

Joseph Haywood, Pantou, 1 851

BoswcU Bottum. Jr.; Orwell, 1851

tDorastus Woostcr, Middlcburj-, 1854

Erastus S .Hinman, New Haven, 1854

t Samuel Swift, Middlebury, 1855

John \{. Strong, Addison, 1856

M. W. G. Wright Shoreham, 1857

Harison 0. Smith, Monkton, 1858

CoDNTY Clebks.

Samuel Chipman, Jr., . . . .Yergennes, 1785

Boswell Hopkins, " 1786

Darius Matthews, Middlebury, 1803

Martin Post " 1808

John S. Larabee, " 1810

Samuel Swift, " 1814

George S. Swift, " 1846

John W. Stewart, " 1855

Dugald Stewart, " 1855

State's Attoknets.

SethStorrs, Addison, 1787 1797 10

Daniel Chipraan, Middlebury, 1797 1804 7

* Judge Grandt died before Juno 1st, 1845; Villk Lawrence was appointed
by the Governor in his]^place.

t Died January 1853,

X Appointed in place of D. Wocster

Left.

Yen.

rlinOfficc

1825

1

1881

6

1829

4

1835

6

1833

2

1842

9

1888

3

1842

4

1844

2

1844

2

1840

2

1845

6

rao.

1847

2

1840

->

1849

2

1851

2

1851

2

1854

•

1854

3

Jan. 1855

2

mo.

1856

2

1857

8

1858

2

1855

1855

1786

1

1803

17

1808

5

1810

2

1814

4

1846

82

1855

9

1855

6

mo

128 APPENDIX.

Names. I7e idence. Appointed,

Loyal Case, Middlebury , 1S04

David Edmond, Vergennes. 1 808

Horat'o Seymour, Middlebury, 1310

David Edjnond Vergennes, 1813

Horatio Seymour, iSliddlebury, 1 815

*David'Edmond, Vergennes, 1819

tNoali Hawley '•■ 1824

Enoch D. Woodbridge, .... " 1824

George Cliipman, Middlebury, 1827

William S)ade, " 1830

Ebenezer K Briggs, Salisbury, 1821

Ozias Seymour, Middlebury, 1839

George W. Grandey, Vergennes, 1845

John Prout, Salisbury, 1848

John W. Stewart, ]\IidJlebury, 1851

Frederic E. "VYoodbridgc, . .Vergennes, 1854

Sheriffs .

Koah Chittenden, Jericho, 1 785

Gamaliel Painter, Middlebmj, 1786

Samuel Strong, Vergennes, 1787

John Cliipman, Middlebury, 1789

William Slade, Cornwall, 1801

Jonathan Hoyt, Jun., New Haven, 1811

John Willard Middlebury, 1812

Samuel Mattocks " 1 813

Jonathan Iloyt, Jun., New Haven, 1815

Abel Tomln'scn, Vergennes, 1819

Stephen Haight, . Monkton. 1824

Seymour Sellick, Middlebury. 1828

Marshall S. Doty, Addison, 1831

Azariah Rootl, Middlebury, 1833

William B. Martin " 1835

Azariah Rood, " 1836

EthanSmith Monkton, 1837

William B. Martin, ISIiddlebury, 1G39

Adnah Smith, " 1840

Gaius A. Collamcr, Bristol, 1842

David S. Church, Middlebury, 1844

:t:William Joslin, Vergennes, Jan. 1859

* Died in spring of 1824.

t Appointed by Court in place of D. Edmond.

X Appointed by the Governor on the death of D. S. Charcb.

Left.

YcarsinOffi-ce

1808

4

1810

2

1813

3

1815

2

1819

4

1824

5

1824

5 mo

1827

3

1830

3

1831

1

1839

8

1845

6

1848

3

1851

3

1854

8

1736

1

1787

1

1789

2

1801

12

1811

10

1812

1

1813

1

1815

2

1819

4

1824

5

1828

4

1831

3

1833

o

1835

2

1836

1

1837

1

1839

' 2

1840

1

1842

2

1844

2

Jan. 1859

14

APPENDIX. 129

Hian Bailiffs.

Names. Residence. Appointed. Left. Y^arsinOJjice

Samuel Mattocks, Middlcbury, 1 708 1806 b

Jolin Warren, " 1806 1808 2

Artcinas Nixon, " 1808 1810 2

Moses Leonard, " 1810 1812 2

James Jcwctt, " 1812 1813 1

Benjamin Clark Wcybridn:c, 1813 1811 1

Eliakiui Weeks, Salisbury, 181-i 1816 2

■\Viglitman Chapman, Wcybridgc, 1816 1826 10

Nathaniel Foster, Middlebury, 1820 1829 3

John Ilowden Bristol, • 1829 1830 1

Marshall S. Doty, Addison, 1830 1931 1

Myron Busimell, Starksboro, 1831 1833 2

Milo Winslow, Middlebury, 1833 1835 2

Gaius A. Collamer, Bristol, 1835 1837 2

TVightman Chapman, Weybridgo, 1837 1S39 2

Ilarry Goodrich, Middlebury, 1839 1810 1

Asa Chapman, " 19-10 1849 9

Goorga C. Chapman, " 18-19 1850 1

William Joslin Vergcnnes, 1850 1853 Z

G A. Collamer, Brislol, 1853

JcDQES or PaoBATi; — District of Addison.

John Strong, Addison, 1887 1801 14

Darius Mathews Cornwall, 1801 1819 18

Samuel Swift Middlebury, 1819 1 8-11 22

Silas H. Jenisou Shoreham, 1842 18-17 6

Horatio Seymour, Middlebury, 1817 1855 S

Calvin G. Tilden, Cornwall, 1855

District of New Haven.

Ezra Hoyt, New Haven, 1824 1829 5

Noah Hawley Vergennes, 1829 1831 2

Jesse Grandey,.. Panton, 1831 1833 2

AdinHall, New Haven, 1833 1835 2

Harvey Munsil, Bristol, 1835

130 APPENDIX.

NO. 2.

The following statement of " Agriculture, Farms and Implements, Stock,
products," &c., is taken fi'om the census of 1850.

Addison County. Acres of improved land 243,312, unimproved 115,287. Cash
value of firms $!7, 799.257. Value of farming implements $^250,270. Horses
5,921. Asses and Mules 1. Milch Cows 10,601. 'Working Oxen 2,815. Other
Cattle 13,248. Sheep 188, '54. Swine 5,822. Value of Live Stock $1,289,608.
Value of animals slaughtered $170,856. "Wheat, bushels of 103,44. Bushels of
Rye 20,006. Bushels of Indian Corn 175,478, Bushels of Oats 211.385. Pounds
of AYool 622,594. Peas and Beans 20,355. Bu.shels of Irish Potatoes 318.421.
Of Barley, 149. Of Buckwheat 15,659. Value of Orchard products $41,696.
Gallons of Wine 114. Pounds of Butter, 870,771. Cheese 817,149. Tons of
Hay 88,793. Bushels of Clover Seed -5. Other Grass' Seed 1,. 589. Pounds of
Hops 5,902. Of Flax 1,232. Busheis of Flax Seed 51. Pounds of Silk Coccocna
76. Of Maple Sugar 205,203. Gallons of Molasses 650. Beeswax and Honey
pounas of 40,654. Value of Homo Manufactures ^9,618.

APPEXDIX. 131

NO. 3.

The follov,'ing table shows the population of the several towns in the County of

Aldisou, at each Uaitei.1 States Census, since Vermont was admitted into the Union.

1701 1800 1810 1820 1830 1810 1S50

Addison, 401 734 1100 llilO 130S 122.) 1270

Avery's Gore, 13 29 78

Bridport, -liO 1124 1520 l^ll 1771 1180 1393

Bristol 211 065 1179 1051 1274 1233 1344

Cornwall, 826 11G3 1279 1120 I2G4 1133 1155

Ferrisburgh, 481 956 1G47 1581 1822 1755 2075

Goshen, 4 85 290 555 021 4£6

Granville, 101 185 824 328 403 545 603

Plancock,.- 56 149 311 442 472 455 430

Leicester, 313 522 609 518 63J 602 596

Lincoln, 97 255 278 639 770 1057

Middlebui-y., S05 1263 2133 2535 3468 3162 8517

Monkton, 450 880 12i8 1152 1384 1310 1246

New IlavcK, 723 1135 1688 15GG 1834 1513 1663

Orwell, 778 1885 1849 1730 1598 1504 1470

Panton, 220 363 620 516 605 b7f» 659

Ilipton, 15 42 278 857 567

Salisbury, 41G 644 703 721 907 942 1027

Shoreham, 721 1447 2033 1381 2137 1675 1601

Starksboro, 40 359 726 914 1342 1263 1400

Verg3unes,.. 201 516 835 817 999 1017 1373

Waltham,.. 247 244 264 301 2S3 270

Weybridge, 175 502 750 714 850 797 804

Vy biting 250 404 565 609 653 660 629

7,267 14,745 21,613 21,879 26,503 25,074 26,549

\

132

Malaj.

AdJiaon, G59

r.ridport, . 735

Bristol, 6G3

Coi'nwall, 57G

Ferrisburgli, 1046

Goshen, 261

Granville, 814

Ilaucock, 236

Leicester 290

Lincoln, 564

Middlebury, 1730

Monkton, GOO

New Haven, 825

OrwelL 727

Panton, 287

Kipton, 803.

Salisbury, 526

Fhoreliam..: 822

Starksboro, 725

Vergennes, 653

"Waltham, •••• 141

Wcybridge, 399

Whiting, 311

18,398

APPJSNDIX.

CENSUS OF 1850.
Whites.

Fcvia'cs.
G20.
638
C44
577

1023
225
289
194
805
438

1769
G46
832
742
267
264
501
779
675
694
129
405
317

Total.

1279

1393

1312

1153

2069

486

603

430

595

1052

8439

1246

1657

1469

554

567

1027

1601

1400

1347

270

804

628

Free Colored.
, * >

Males. Females. Total

16

2
o

13

16

2
10

1
1
2

18

32
2
6

13,043 26,441 oi

54

A i^^ gate.

1279

1393

1344

1155

2075

486

603

430

595

1057

3517

1246

1663

1470

659

567

1027

1601

1400

1378

270

804

1 629

108 26,519

18

6
1

31

THK

*OL.N.

^^'^'aOxv

r"

o

TI I S T 0 11 Y

, OF Til a

TOWN OF MIDDLEBUEY,

IN THE

COUNTY OF ADDISON, VERMONT:

WRITTKX AT UTii KKOUKST OF THE IIIHTOUICAL SOCIETY OV MIDDLEBVHT,

BY SAMUEL SWIFT,

MIDDLEBURY :

A. II. CO PEL AND,

J8aO.

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1859, by

A. II. COPELAND,

lu tlio Clerk's office of the District Court of the United States for thi District of

Vermont.

PREFACE.

When I was persuaded, against my conviction and inclination, to collect materials
and compile a history of Middlebury from its first settlement, I adopted the plan to
make it ps minute and complete, as the accessible materials would allow, — from an
apprehension, that facts, which can now be collected, would be beyond the reach of
any future historian. I designed to state, as far as I could, the division of the ter-
ritory into lots among the proprietors, who were the original settlers, and when and
where, — that is, on what lots, — they become such. The best sources of informa-
tion had already disappeared, in the deaths of the first settlers; and their descen-
dants and successors were rapidly passing away. As one of their successors, I be-
come a resident here so early, that I was personally acquainted with nearly all the
first settlers, and knew where they settled. Although I had no disposition to col-
lect the necessaiy fiicts for a history, my personal knowledge may have aided mo
more in the work, than the recollection of those, whose acquaintance had began
later. In pursuing my plan, I have perhaps given a more complete history ot the
early settlement, than any other town history contains, although I have somewhat
abridged both my plan and materials. But it has led me into a minute and forbid-
ding detail, which I did not anticipate, and which, I fear, few persons will have
courage to work through. I have perhaps stated no fact, which will not interest
some one, and some laud owners may become better acquainted with the history of
their possessions, than they now are. Eut I am aware, that the persons will be
few, who will feel an interest in any part of the woi-k, limited as they must be, to
those who have been, are, or may be residents of the town; and that the number,
who will be interested in the whole, will be fewer still. The facts have been gath-
ered in scraps, and many of them since the work was written, and were crowded
in, as they could be, and, of course, are Icosely strung together. But I could not,
to my own satisfliction, find a stopping place, and have therefore retained the facts,
and, to help the reader through as soon as possible, I have compressed the details
into as few words as practicable, instead of adopting a more diffuse and untram-
meled style. I advise any one, who cares much for his style, not to enlist in any
such composition. And the reader, whose patience is not likely to hold out, I ad-
vise to skip the chapters, which contain the most tiresome details.

This history is not designed to contain,— and could not properly — a biographical

4 PREFACE.

or other notice of all, who have been, or are, inhabitants of the toirn; and many
most respectable citizens and fiimilies are not mentioned at all, because they do not
fall directly into the current of the Btory. But, so far as I have the materials, or
they are furnished by others, I have wished to make the readers somewhat ac-
quainted with the character of some of the first settlers and prominent citizens.
These notices occupy considerable space, and are not printed separately by
themselves, as is sometimes the practice; but to aifoi'd relief to the reader, they
are inserted in the body of the history, where they belong, as a part of it.

It was my wish to embrace a seientific account of the different branches] of the
natural history of the town ; but I have neither the requisite information on the
subject, or sufficient time or strength to obtain it. Sevoral explorations have been
made by scientific gentlemen, but I have found no account, which is com.plete or
satisfactory.

Rev. Thomas A. Merrill D. D., as early as 1807, when nearly all the early set-
tiers were living, began to collect facts relating to the settlement of the town,
which he incoi'porated in a sermon, delivered on Thanksgiving day in December
1840. This was printed in a pamphlet, with a large appendix. In a few instances,
I may have relied on his statement for a date, or an unimportant fact, without feel-
ing the importance of giving him credit, although I am not aware of any case,
where I had not other evidence from records or otherwise. I have designed to ob-
tain facts from oi'iginal sources, as far as accessible; and, if necessary, in any case,
to rely on secondary evidence, to give the proper credit.

Xcarly all this work, was written two or three years ago. Numerous
deaths and other events have occurred, and some information has been received
since, which I have crowded into the text or placed in the notes.

I have occasion to be very grateful, as the reader will be, to the friends, who
have gratuitously contributed all the illustrations of the work. These will add a
value to it, if there is none elsewhere, — without expense to the subscrnbcr.

In the biographical notice of Judge Phelps, an error occurred, in making Roger
S. Sherman, instead of Roger S. Baldwin, his classmate. The former being a fa^
miliar name, and both distinguished men in Connecticut, I thoughtlessly com-
mitted the error.

An error, from a similar cause, occurred in the biographical notice of Judge
Doolittle, in naming the Episcopal Church in Middlebury, St. Peter's, instead of
St. Stephen's. And probably the reader will find many more such errors.

SAML. SWIFT.

CONTENT^

CHAPTER I.

PAGE.

Late settlement of Vermont — Charter and explanations— Proprietors' records 141

CHAPTER II.

Results of the votes of the Proprietors — Partition — Town Plat— Second or first
hundred acre division — Third or second hundred acre division — Jolin Ciiip-
man's, and other surveys — Change of territorial limits 1 53

CHAPTER in.

Settlement before the war in charter limits — Benjamin Smalley — Gamaliel
Painter — John Chipman and others — In territory annexed from Cornwall —
Surveys and pitches— Asa Blodgett — Theophilus Allen — The Bentleys, and
others — Settlement after the war in this territory 16^

CHAPTER lY.

Retreat of the settlers — Employment in tlieir absence — Other events dui-ing

the war — Miss Torrance's story — Judge Painter — Col. Chipman 180

<
CHAPTER V.

Return of settlers — Smalley — Thayer — Jona. Chipman — Torrance — Col.
Chipman — Foot family , 190

CHAPTER VI.

New settlers — Stephen Goodrich— Robert Huston — Johnson— Buttolph — Kirby
Sumner — Preston and Mungers — Sellick — Deacon Sumner — Olmsted —
Vanduzer—Barnet— Hammond — Craft — Loomis 202

CHAPTER VII.

James Crane and brother — Gideon Abbey — Nathan Case — Darius Tupper —
Dea. Boyce — East Middlebury Village— Incidents of the early settlement —
Famine 223

6 CONTENTS.

CHAPTER Yin.

PAGE,

Face of the country — Soil — Agriculture — Mineral Spring 231

CHAPTER IX.

Settlement of the village— Abisha Washbui-n— Painter's mills — Foot's mills '
Hop Johnson — Col. Storrs— Painter, in the village — First store— Samuel
Miller — S. Dudley — B. Gorton— John Deming—S. Foot— B. Seymour — M.
Post. * 235

CHAPTER X.

Darius Matthews— Curtis and Campbell— Dr. Willard—H. Seymour— D Chip-
man — J. Ftogers — A. Rhodes— L. and J. McDonald — S. Mattocks — W.
Young— F. Hill— P, Starr-Dr. Clark— N, and I. Stewart— J. Simmons-
Seminary Street— Slade & Co 248

CHAPTER XI.

0. Brewster— Asa Francis— J. Fuller — H. Bell— L. Case— P. Davis— J. Hen-
shaw — L, Hooker — W. Slade— E. Hawley — Capt. Young — D. Dickinson — D.
Page— G. Painter 271

CHAPTER XII.

Further settlements west of the creek — Stillman Foot — Appleton Foot — Har-
vey Bell— John Warren — Capt. Markham — S. Sargeant— J. McDonald — J.
Doolittle-T. Hagar— Judge Phelps— J. Jewett— J. Blin— C. Porter 286

* CHAPTER XHI.

Condition of the village at an early day — Growth and improvenaent of the vil-
lage— Incorporation 296

CHAPTER XIV.
Organization — Corporate proceedings 305

CHAPTER XV.

Highways and Bridges — Early surveys— Mode of repairing — Bridge at the
Falls— Three Mile Bridge — Centre Turnpike — Waltham — Roads about village 311

CHAPTER XVI.
Support of the Poor. 317

CHAPTER XVII.
Health— Diseases -Mortality 320

CONTEXTS. 7

CHAPTER XVIII.

TAGE.

Banks— State Bank— Bank of Mia'.llebury— Savings Bank 325

CHAPTER XIX.

Manufactures— Forge an J Gun Factory — Cotton Factory —Grist Mill — Warren's
Factory— Mid. Man. Company— Marble Mills— Fires— D. Nichols 330

CHAPTER XX.
Printing— Newspapers and other periodicals— Books— Post Office and mails, , . 340

CHAPTER XXf.

Professional men — Lawyers — Physicians— Merchants— Manufacturers— Me-
chanics 34G

CHAPTER XXII.
Educational— Common Schools —Addison County Grammar School .307

CHAPTER XXIII.
Middlebury College, 376

CHAPTER XXIV.

Female Seminary — Miss Strong— Mrs. Willard— Incorporated— Misses Mahew
—Mrs. Cook— Miss Swift— Mr, Tilden— Dr. Lathrop-S. Hitchcock— W . F.
Bascom— Miss Gordon 391

CHAPTER XXV.

Ecclesiastical— Early laws for supporting the Gospel — Congregational Society
—Proceedings of the town— Episcopal Society— Methodist Society— Baptist
Society— Catholic Society 402

CHAPTER XXVI.
Tncideutsof the War of 1812 432

HISTORY OF M1DDJ.EBUEY.

CHAPTER I.

LATE SETTLEMENT OF VERMOXT — CILVRTER AND EXPLANATIONS —

PllOPRIETORS' KECORDS.

The settlement, by the English, of the territoiy noAV constituting
the State of Vermont was long delayed, because it "v\-as remote from
the seaboard and their earlier settlements. A still greater hin-
di-ance to the settlement was the fact that the French, who possessed
Canada, had also the possession of Lake Champlain ; and in 1731
had established a fort at Ci-own Point, and in 1756 another at
Ticonderoga. They continued their possession and control of the
western part of that territory, until they were driven from their
forts and the lake by a British force under Gen. Amherst in 1759,
which was followed by the final conquest of Canada in 1760.
Until this time English settlements in this territory would have
been exposed to the constant depredations of the French and
Canadian Indians ; it being the thoroughfare of their war parties
to the south and east.

In the meantime Benning "VYentworth had been appointed, in
1741, by the King of England, Governor of the Province of New
Hampshire, with authority to issue patents for lands in unoccupied
territories, to such persons as applied for them. Assuming that the
Pro\>^ince of New Hampshire extended as far west as the Provinces
of Massachusetts and Connccticcit, he claimed the right, under his
authority, to grant charters over this whole territory. His first
grant was a charter of the town of Bennington in 1740. extending

142 HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY.

to within twenty miles of Hudson River ; and in January 1760,
he chartered the town of Pownal, south of the former town. About
a dozen towns had also been chartered east of the Green Mountains.
But excepting the towns of Bennington and Pownal, which wero
remote from the scene of danger, no grants were made in Western
Vermont, until 1761, the year after the conquest of Canada. In
that year there was a general rally for lands in what has since been
called the "New Hampshire Grants," and no less than sixty
charters were granted on both sides of the mountain. Among
these was the charter of Middlebury, and eight other towns in the
County of Addison.

It was the design of Governor Wentworth, as well as of the
grantees, where there was room, and convenient boundaries would
permit, to make each town six miles square. This was thought,
especially in agricultural regions, a convenient size for towns
established under the New England system of town corporations.
Larger territories had been granted in the older States of New
England ; but being found inconvenient for the purposes for which
they vrere designed, they have been divided into two or more towns,
or new towns have been formed from parts of several towns. Their
experience had taught them the propriety of giving them a more
convenient form. This size was thought to be sufficiently conve-
nient for all the freemen to meet in or near the center, for town
and freemen's mectinsrs, and larsre enoufrh to sustain, without too
great a burthen, the requisite institutions, and accomplish the
objects and discharge the trusts committed to them. And experience
has shown that much smaller towns are often heavily burthened
and embarrassed in accomplishing these purposes.

Among the applicants for lands were a large number of gentle-
men residing principally in Salisbury, Litchfield County, Conn.
They agreed to unite in procuring a survey of the lands, and in their
application to Governor Wentworth for charters. For this purpose
they appointed John Everts, Esq., of that place, as their agent.
Having procured the requisite aid, he penetrated into the wilderness
a hundred miles beyond any sottloraer.ts, before he found sufficient
ppace. not previously surveyed, or in process of surveying,- so far

HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY. 143

as to preclude his claim. It is understood, that it was the intention
of the applicants to obtain charters for only two towns. But tho
agent finding that there was sdllicient and convenient space for tho
location of three towns, on the east side of Otter Creek, between
the '■ Great Falls " at Vergennes on the north, and Leicester on
the soutli, he proceeded to survey the whole tract. Beginning at
tiie head of the falls he surveyed the excellent township of New
Haven, and proceeding south he surveyed tho other two towns.
The head of the falls at Vergennes was fixed on as a permanent
boundary and starting point, from which the whole tract was sur-
veyed and measured. This also is a boundary and starting point
from which the important town of Ferrisburgh was laid out. This
point was therefore regarded as so important, that, in order to make
the location more definite, a cannon, was placed perpendicularly in
the rock, in a hole excavated for that purpose. This monument is
still standing.

In order to make arrans-ement for a sufficient number of orrantees
for each of -the three towns, some of the original applicants agreed
to take shares in two and others in all the three ; and a few more
were admitted as proprietors. On the application of the agent the
Governor of New Hampshire issued charters for these three towns,
according to the surveys presented. The southern was named
Salisbury, from the town in which the grantees resided ; the
northern, from another distinguished town in Connecticut, was
named New Haven ; and the other was named Middlebury, because
it was located between the others. The charters of New Haven
and Middlebury are dated November 2, 17G1, that of Salisbury on
the third day of the same month. By the charters all the towns
are bounded west on Otter Creek, and extend, where there is not
room below, up the westsern slope of the Green Mountain for their
eastern boundary.

The charter of IMiddlebury is made in a printed blank, of the
same description as those of the other towns, and we omit the more
formal parts, together with the provisions for fairs and markets and
give only an abstract.

Benning Wentworth, Governor of New Hampshire, in the name

144 niSTORY OF MIDDLEBURY.

of George tlic Third, King of England, grants '' unto our loving
subjects of our said Province of New Hampshire and our other
Governments," ''whose names rj-e 'entered on this grant, to be
divided to and amongst them into sixty-eight equal shares," a tract
"containing by admeasurement 25,040 acres, which tract is to
contain something more than six miles square." The boundaries
are as follows : " Beginning at the southerly corner of a township
granted this day by the name of New Haven, at a tree marked,
standing on the bank of the easterly or northeasterly side of Otter
Creek, so called, from thence running cast seven miles, thence
turnino; off and runnins; south ten decrrees west six miles and
sixty-four rods, then turning off and running west to Otter Creek
aforesaid ; then down said creek, as that runs to the bound first
mentioned," and it '• is incorporated into a township by the name
of Middlebury," It also provides, "■ that the first meeting for
the choice of town oiScers shall be held on the first Tuesday in
January next, which said meeting shall be notified by Capt. Samuel
Moore,' who is hereby also appointed moderator of the said first
meeting," and that " the annual meeting forever hereafter for the
choice of such officers for the said town shall be on the second
Tuesday of Llarch annually." The following conditions are
annexed to the charter. First, every grantee, his heirs or assigns,
shall plant and cultivate five acres of land, within the time of five
years, for every fifty acres contained in his share," " on penalty of
the forfeiture of his grant or share in said township." Second,
" that all white and other pine trees, fit for masting our Royal
Navy be carefully preserved for that purpose," " upon penalty of
the forfeiture of the right of such grantee," " as well as being
subject to the penalty," of acts of Parliament. Third, " that
before any division among the grantees, a tract of land, as near
the centre of said township, as the land will admit of, shall be
reserved and marked out for town lots, one of which shall be
allotted to each grantee, of the contents of one acre." Fourth,
'•'the grantees to pay annually, for ten years, the rent of one ear of
Indian Corn only, if lawfully demanded." Fifth, every proprietor,
settler or inhabitant, "to pay annually after ten years" "one

HISTORY OF MIDULECURY.

145

sliilling proclamation money for every hundred acres," ' lie so owns
••in lieu of all other rents, and services ■whatsoever."

The follo^ving are the endorsements on the back of the charter.

"the names of the grantees of middlebury, viz:

John Evarts, Nathl. Evarts, 3d, Amos Ilanciiit,

Elijah Skinner',
Elkanah Paris,
Benjamin Paris,
John Baker,
Gideon Ilurlbut,
Ebcnr. Ilanchit,
Deliva. Spalding,
Noah Chittenden,
Mattw. Bostwick,
Thomas Chittenden,
John Abbit,
Moses Read,
Saml. Keep,
Elisha Painter
Kuluff White,

Jun.

John Turner,
Ebenr. Field, 3d,
Saml. Turner,
Zechcriah Foss,
Ebenr. Ficld^
Nathl. Flint,
Benjn. Everist,
Jeremiah How,
John Read,
James Clao-horri,

Saml. Towslcy,
John Strong,
John ITow,
Oliver Evarts,
Russell Hunt,
Capt. Josiah Stoddar,
Bethel Sellick,
Saml. Skinner,
Capt. Saml. ]Moorc,
Hezekiah Camp, Jun.,

Lt. Mathias Kclsey, John ]\IcQuivey,
Daniel Morris, Benjamin Smalley,

Lt. John Seymour,
Datis Ensign,

Lt. Janna Meigs, /
David Ov.en.
Charles Brewster,

Rufus Marsh,

Elias Read,

Noah Waddam.s,
Elisha Sheldon, Jun. .John Evarts. Jun.,
Moses Read, Jun., Jona. i\Ioore Jun.,
Matthw. Baldin, Nathl. Skinner, Jun., Theo. Atkinson, Esq.,

Lt. Jonathan Moore, David Hide, Jun., M.H.Wentworth.Esq.
John Benton, Thomas Chipman,

His Excellency Benning Wentworth, Esq., a tract of land con-
taining five hundred acres, as marked B. W. in the plan, which is
to be accounted two of the within shares, one whole share for the Incor-
porated Society for the Propogation of the Gospel in foreign parts,
one share for a glebe for the Church of England, as by law estab-
lished, one share for the first settled minister of the gospel, and one
share for the benefit of a school in said town.

Province of New Hampshire, Nov. 2d, ITGl.

Recorded in Book of charters, page 278.

Theodore Atkinson, Secy."

146

>

a

B. W,

HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY.
[Plan of Mlddlehury .\

^ ^Hqs r7 —

o

o
o

To the sixty shares of the sixty applicants, is added one share
each for Theodore Atkinson, the governor's secretary, Michael H.
Wentworth, his nephew, the Society for the Propogation of the
Gospel, a glebe for the Church of England, and for a school, mak-
ing, with two shares for the governor, sixty-eight, as mentioned in
the charter.

The boundaries probably contain "something more than six miles
Sfjuare," but not so much as the plan on the back represents. It
was probably supposed that Otter Creek, which is the western
boundary, runs east of north about the same as the description
places the eastern boundary, 10 degrees ; but its course is some-
what west of north : by which the north line does not extend so far

IIISTOllY 01' .MIDL'LEBURY. 147

cast as was supposed, and of course the south line returning to tbo
creek is shorter than -was intended.

The " rent of one ear of Indian corn," for the first ten years,
in the fourth condition of the charter, is only a nominal rent, Trhilc
the grantees should be clearing up their farms, intended as an
acknowledgment, that tliey hold, according to the Feudal system,
as tenants under the king, and have not an absolute independent
title, such as we call /ee simple. The rent of " one shilling proc-
lamation money," was designed as a permanent rent, to be paid
annually to the king, after ten years. The governor of New Yoric
required a higher rent in all his grants ; and it was a ground of
opposition by the Green Mountain Boys to the claims of that State,
that besides the exorbitant fees of the governor and other officers
concerned in completing the grants, he demanded a rent of " two
and six pence " for each hundred acres. Our thanks are due to the
revolutionary patriots, that we are wholly free from any such ser-
vile burthens. The "proclamtion money " in which the rent was
to be paid, or " prock money," as it is called in some of the records
of the proprietors, means simply the lawful money of New Eng-
land, six shillings to the dollar, established by proclamation, instead
of sterling money.

According to the directions of the charter, " Capt. Samuel Moore,"
who was by that instrument appointed moderator, gave notice of
the first meeting of the proprietors, and presided in it, and the
following is a copy of the record of the proceedings.

" At a meeting of tlie proprietors of the town of Middlebury, in the Province of
New Ilampsliire, said meeting being regularly and legally warned, and held at the
dwelling bouseofMr. Julm Evarts,in Salisbury ,this 5th day of January, A. D.17G2.

1. Voted and cliose Samuel Keep clerk for said proprietors.

2. Voted and chose Matthi as Kelscy, Ebenezer Hanchit and James Nichols
selectmen for said town of Middlebury.

3. Voted and chose Jonathan Chipraan collector for said proprietors.

4. Voted to allow lOs to Alatthias Kclsey for his cost and extraordinary trouble
in the proprietors service.

0. Voted to raise 9s on each right, Gs in silver and Ss prock money, except
those which have paid a Os rate, which was granted when the proprs. of New
Haven, Middlebury. Salisbury aud Cornv\'all were jointly in company, — such to
be CACnipted.

148 HISTOllY OF MIDDLEBURY.

0. Voted to give Ifr. Atkinson for Lis kindness and many good services, done
for the proprietors, 300 acres in said township adjoining Governor Weutworth'a
right of 500 acres, allowing a highway or highways through said land for the benefit
of ye proprietors, in the most convenient place or PmIcos.

7, Voted and adjourned this meeting to the 2d Tuesday in March nest, at 10
o'clock before noon at Capt. fcamucl Moore's in Salisbury.

Test Sajil. Keep, Proprietors Clerk.' '

" At an adjourned meeting of the proprietors of the township of Middlebury,
held at the house of Capt. Samuel Moore in Salisbury, on the 9th day of March,

A. D , 1 7(V2.

1. A'otud and chose Samuel Keep Clerk.

2. Voted and chose Matthias Kelsey, Ebenczer Hanchit, and Charles Brewster^
selectmen for said town.

3. Voted and chose Jonathan Cliipnian, Collector.

4. Voted and chose John Evarts, Ireasurer.

5. Voted to send Matthias Kelsey, to lay cut 50 acres to each right i» said

townsli'p. V

G. Voted to raise a rate of 9s on each right.

7. Voted to give Gs per day to committee men.

8. Voted to lay out one acre to each grantee, as near the centre of said town as
possible.

9. Voted and adjourned this meeting till ye 2nd Tuesday of October, at one of
ye clock afternoon, at the house of Capt. Samuel Moore, in Salisbury.

Teste Saml. Kekp, Clerk."

It "will be observed, that this meeting was held on the day ap-
pointed by the charter for •' the annual meeting forever hereafter,"
to be held " for the choice of officers for said to-\vn." It was for
this reason that the officers were re-chosen, although they had been
chosen but two months before. An adjourned meeting was held at
the time and place appointed, and again adjourned to the 2d Tues-
day of February next at the same place ; and a meeting at the
time appointed by the last adjournment " was opened and then voted
and dissolved said meeting."

The following are the records of three meetings, all of which
seemed to have been designed to constitute the annual March meet-
ing for 1763. For some reason, the second, which was held as an
adjourned meeting, and perhaps the first, were not considered legal,
or a majority were not satisfied with the proceedings, as at the third,
which was held on the same day as the adjournment of the first,
the whole business was performed anew with some alterations, and
for this probably a new notice was given.

lIISTOKi OF jllDULlIBUKY. 140

" At a meeting of the proprietors of the township of Micldlebury hulJ at the
iiouse of John Evarts in Salisbury, this 2d Tuesday of JIai-cli, A. D. 1703.

1. Voted and chose Mr. John Evarts, moderator.

2. Voted and chose Saml. Keep Clerk.

3. "N'oted and adjourned said meeting till ye' 4th Tuesday of instant March at
10 o'clock before noon, at the house of Capt. Samuel Moore,. in Salisbury.

Teste Saml. Kekp, Proprietors Clerk."
"At a meeting of the proprietors of the township of Middlebury, held by adjourn-
ment at the house of Capt. Saml. Mooreiu Salisbury, this 22d day of March 176o.

1. Voted and chose Matthias Kelsey, Ebenezer Hanchit and Saml. Tousley
selestmen for said town of Middlebury.

2. Voted the nest annual meeting, viz. ye 2nd Tuesday in March next, shall
be holden at tlic house of Capt. fcaml. Moore in Salisbury.

3. Voted and dissolved sd meeting. Test Saml. Keep Clerk."

" At a meeting of the proprietors of the township of Middlebury in the Prov-
ince of Now Hampshire, being legally warned and held, at the house of Capt.
Saml. Moore in Salisbury, this 4th Tuesday of March, A. D. 17C3.

1. Xotii'l and cho^e Capt. Saml. Moore Moderator.

2. Voted aud chose Saml. Keep, Clerk.

3. Voted and chose John Evarts, Capt. Saml. Moore and Matthias Kelsey as-

Bessors.

4. Voted to lay out one acre to eacli right or share, as near the centre of the

tov.nship, as conveniently may, with allowance for highway or ways, if needful,
ea; h highway to be 4 rods wide.

5. A'oted to raise a rate of 20s on each right to defray the charge of laying out
the first and 2nd divisions, (public rights only not to pay.)

6. Voted to give the whole of the above said 20s rate to the committee, that
shall lay out the first and second divisions in said township, and produce a mathe-
matical plan thereof by the first day of October next. Said committee to lay out
all the public rights in said township. Said committee to collect said 20s rate.
James Nichols and Benjamin Smallc-y appointed committee to lay out sd first and
2nd divisions.

7. 'N'oted to raise a rate of 9s on each right to pay the back charge except
such as have paid ye 9s rate, which was granied ye 5th of January, A. 1). 1762.

8. A'otcd and chose Benjamin Smalley, Collector.

9. Voted aud chose Mr. John Evarts, Treasurer.

10. "S'otcd that the treasurer pay to Mr. Benjn. Smalley the sum of 4s which is
due to him for money he paid for said proprietors.

11. Voted and adjourned this meeting to the 2nd day of October next at 12
o'clock, at the house of Capt. Saml. Moore in Salisbury.

Test Saml. Keep, Proprietors Clerk."

■' At a meeting of the proprietors of the township of Middlebury, held at the

house of Capt. Saml. Moore in Salisbury, this 20th day of December, A, D. 17G0.

1. Voted and chos2 Capt. Saml. Moore, Moderator.

"i. Voted and chose .Saml. Keep, Proprietors Clei'k.
o

150 HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY.

3. Voted and accepted the plan presented by Benjamin Smalley, as a mathe-
matical plan of sd township.

4. Voted that John Hutchinson and Samuel Moore, Jr., draw the lottery for
the rights aforesaid.

Voted and adjourned sd meeting till the annual to^.■n meeting in March next at
the house of Capt. Sam'l Moore, in Salisbury.

Test, Sam'l Keep, Proprietors Clerk.

There is no record of the annual IMarch Isleeting in 1764.

•'At a meeting of the proprietors of the township of Middlebury, legally
"warned and opened at the house of Doctr. Joshua Porter in Salisbui-y, this second
Tuesday of March, 1765.

1. Voted and choses Mr. James Nichols Moderator for said meeting.

2. Voted and adjoui-ned sd meeting to the house of Jlr. John Evarts, forthwith.

3. Opened sd meeting at said Evarts, and voted and chose Ebenezer Hanchet,
John Evarts, and Sam'l Keep, Committee for said proprietors.

4. Voted that, if any man or men, by the first day of May next shall appear
and give sufficient bond to the proprietor's Committee to build a good saw-mill,
within fifteen months from this day in the township of Middlebury, he shall have
any mill-place, which he or they shall choose insaid township, viz: in the undivided
part thereof, and also fifty acres of land adjoining said mill-place, he or they to be
at the cost of laying out said fifty acrfes, and build said mill so as to leave room
for fifty acres, to be laid out to accommodate a grist mill, and proper place to set
a grist mill, if the proprietors see fit to improve it.

5. Voted to lay out a third division, 100 acres to each grantee, as soon as may
be conveniently done the ensuing summer.

6. Voted and chose James Nichols, Timothy Harris and Sam'l Keep, a committee
to lay out saia 3d division, and also to employ all needful help to assist in laying
out the same.

7. Voted to give 5s. per day to each committee-man, so long as they shall be
faithfully in the service of laying out said 3d division.

8. Voted to raise a rate of 10&. lawfull money on each right to defray the
charge of laying out said 3d division, to be paid by ye first day of September nest.

9. Voted and chose Ebenezer Hanchet, Collector.

10. Voted and chose Enoch Strong, Jonathan Hall and Sam'l Tously assessors.

11. Voted to raise 2s. on each right and give the same to any man or men,
who shall, the ensuing summer, clear a cart road from the road last fall cut from
Ai'lington to Crown Point, viz : from about ten or twelve miles beyond where No.
4 road crosses Otter Creek ; said road to be cleared on the east side of said Creek,
through the townships of Salisbury, Middlebury and New Haven.

12. Voted and adjourned half an hour.

13. Opened. Voted and chose Ebenezer Hanchet, Treasurer.

14. Voted to pay 6s, to Samuel Keep, for his paying the same sum to the
printer f-^r advertising this meeting.

I

HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY. 1-')1

15 Votei and a<ljourned this meeting to the first Tuesday of December next
at 2 o'clock afternoon at the house of Mr John Evarts, iu Salisbury.

Test, Sam'l Keep, Proprietor's Clerk.

There is no record of a meeting held at the time of the abovo
adjournment, or of the annual meeting in March 17G6.

"At a meeting of the proprietors of the township of Jliddlcbury, legally
warned, opened and held at the dwelling house of Mi". John Evarts in Salisbury,
in Litchfield County, and Colony of Connecticut, the 7th day of April, 1766,

1. Voted and chose Mr. James Nichols Moderator for said meeting.

2. Voted that each proprietor that shall, the ensuing summer, repair to
Jliddlebury, and do tr.c duty agreeable to the directions of the charter for said
township, so as to hold said right, that such proprietor or proprietors shall liavc
thirty-five acres to each right or shrvi-e in said township over and above his or
their equal proportion witli the rest of the proprietors in said township ; provided
he or they will be at the trouble and cost of laying out said thirty-five acres in
good form in any of the undivided part of said township, reserving every conve-
nient place or stream for mills, to be disposed of hereafter, as shall be thought
proper, and also highways; if needed through each thirty-five acres.

3. Voted and adjourned this meeting to the i2nd Tuesday of January next, at
2 o'clock afternoon at this place. ' Test, Sam'l Keep, Clerk."

At the time of the adjournment above mentioned, a meeting was
held, and was further adjourned to the "third Tuesday of April
next," at the same place. And the meeting held at that time was
again adjourned to the third Tuesday of May following.

" SALISBCR.T the Sd Tuesday of May, A. D. 1767.
Then the proprietors of the township of Middlebury met at the dwelling house
of Mr. John Evarts in Salisbury, according to adjournment. Opened the meeting
and adjourned to the 2nd Tuesday of October next, at 2 o'clock afternoon, at the
dwelling house of Doct. Joshua Porter, Esq., in said Salisbury.

Test, Sam'l Keep, Proprietor's Clerk."

"We have copied thus extensively the records of the proceedings
of the original proprietors for the first five or six years, that our
readers may be able to know, as far as we are able to tell them,
what our predecessors did for the settlement of the town — how they
did it and who were the agents employed. We have inserted
verbatim the whole of their proceedings during this term, except
the adjournment of a few meetings, when nothing else was done,
and of these we have given an abstract. We have done this
because no other records of these proceedings to this time are to be

152 HI3T.>nY OF MIDDLEBURY.

found, and these are in a perisiial^le paper book, -which may be
gone with the others before tiie next generation will have opportu-
nity to see them. *

From the indisposition of the proprietors to remove so far into
the wilderness, it is probable that few proceedings were had, and
few efforts were made towards the settlement of the town from
17GT to 1773. It is probable also, that the decision of King
George the Third, on the 20th day of July, 1764, placing the
territory under the jurisdiction of New York, and the severe con-
test with that State, which followed, also interrupted the settlement.
The Revolutionary war, from 1775 to 1783, was also a total inter-
ruption. But from a laborious examination of the records of
deeds and surveys, we have been able to ascertain some farther
proceedings of the proprietors, and some additional facts connected
with the history which will appear in the sequel.

* The records were kept in Salisbury, Connecticut, ■where the proprietors lived
until the spring of 1783, "when the owners of the lands, after the c'ose of the
Eevolutionary war, began to take possession of thera. All the records wlsich
remain, in addition to the abore, are a dozen loose half sheets of paper, which
once constituted a part of a book. On one page of these is a list of the numbers
drawn to the several original rights in the second division, called the " first hundred
acre division," or " home lots." These we have inserted in our diagram of that
division. The remainder of the pages contain records of deeds and surveys of
pitches, commencing September 1773, and ending February 1775, Some of tho
deeds recorded in this time were dated as early as 1763, but principally in 1773.
about the time the proprietors first began to bestir themselves to take possession of
the lands. During this time Oliver Evarts was proprietor's clerk. The only book
of re3ords to be found, which was kept after the business was removed to Middle-
bury, is a book containing surveys of pitches made by the proprietors, and recorded
from May 1783 to .June 1793, by .John Chipman, proprietor's clerk. In the same
book are contained also surveys of highways laid out in A-pvil and July 1786, by
committees of the proprietors There was also recorded in the same book, Decem-
ber 22, 1785, surveys of the several lots of the first hundred acre division, made
by order of the proprietors in the summer of 1763, eighteen years before. The
original surveys are not to be found. Some years after this George Chipman, Esq.
was chosen clo k of thn proprietors. But no records are to be found of proceed_
ings under his administration : and probably little was done, a? the town had
then been many years organized. The records wiiich remain are now in the town
.clerk's office.

HiSTOUy OF MIDDLEBURY. 153

CIIAriER II.

RESULTS OF THE VOTEi OF THE PROl'RlETORS — PARTITIOX — TOWN
PLOT — SECOND OR FIRST HUNDRED ACRE DIVISION — THIRD OR
SECOND HUNDRED ACRE DIVISION — JOHN CHIPMAN'S AND OTHER
SURVEYS — CHANGE OF TERRITORIAL LIMITS.

AYb now proceed to state so far as we are able, the results of the
proceedings of the proprietors, at their meetings. In the proceed-
ings of the first meeting, reference is made to the timeAvhen " New
Ilaven, Middlebury, Salisbury and Cornwall were jointly in com-
pany."' This co-operation undoubtedly had reference to the meas-
ures adopted in procuring the charters. Most of the proprietors
resided in the same neighborhood, and the towns chartered joined
each other. Elias Reed, the agent for procuring the charter of
Cornwall, resided also in Salisbury. The charters of all the towns
are dated on two consecutive days ; those of Salisbury and Middle-
bury on the second of November, and those of New Haven and
Cornwall on the third of the same month. The applicants for all
the towns undoubtedly met together to consult respecting the meas-
ures to be adopted, and assessed all the proprietors of each right to
defray the joint expenses. The agents also went together to the
governor of New Hampshire. Such a co-operation would of course
reduce the expenses of each. The tax assessed at this meeting was
intended to apply only to the delinquents. Besides, the first meet-
ing of the proprietors of each town was appointed to be held about
the same time, and probably in the same place.

Independent of the vote passed at this meeting, Mr. Atkinson had
a claim to one right, but the charter did not locate it " adjoining
Governor Wentworth's 500 acres."

154 HISTORY OF MIDDLEBUIIY.

No movement seems to have been made to carry into effect the
votes passed at the annual meeting in 1762, " to send IMatthias
Kelsey to lay out 50 acres to each right," and " to lay out one acre
to each grantee." At the meeting held on the fourth Tuesday of
March 1763, the vote " to lay out one acre to each right " was
renewed, and a vote was passed '• to raise a rate to defray the charge
of laying out the first and second divisions," but no vote is recorded
as being passed then or at any otlicr time, to make a second divi-
sion of 100 acres, or a "first 100 acre division." Whether such a
vote failed to be passed through forgetfulncss, or failed to be recor-
ded through the neglect of the clerk, does not appear. But it seems
to have been understood, that such a division was to be made ; and
when made by the committee, appointed for that purpose, it was
accepted by the meeting to which the report was made.

It appears, that no person accepted the proposition of the pro-
prietors, made at their meeting in March 1765, to " give a sufncient
bond to build a good saw mill within fifteen months," and in con-
sideration thereof ''to have any mill place he may choose," and
" also fifty acres of land," and no such mill was built for the next
nine years.

As little was accomplished, in pursuance of the vote, at the same
meeting offering the proceeds of a tax of "2s on each right to any
man or men, who shall, the ensuing summer, clear a cart road on
the east side of the creek." It does not appear that at any time the
contemplated road was opened by any general concert of the towns,
or inhabitants ; but the roads, through the several towns, were prob-
ably built, as the necessities of the settlers required to open a com-
munication to their lands. At what time roads were opened into
Middlebury from the south is uncertain. The road from Arlington
to Crown Point, at this time, it seems, was opened "10 or 12
miles beyond where No. 4 (Charlestown) road crosses Otter Creek ;"
which was probably as far as the foot of Sutherland's Falls. It is
known that the road was built thus far some time before it was
extended further. Obviously no road was opened further, when the
first settlers came to jMiddlebury, From this point the creek was
used in summer by rafts and canoes, and in the winter on the ice, and

HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY. l55"

oattle were driven tLrouij-li the woods on the borders of the creek.
The same course of travel was preferred, to some extent, for some
years after the trees were cut down for a road.

The proposition made at the meeting on the 7th of April 170u,
granting "thirtj-fivc acres" to "each proprietor, that shall
repair to jSliddlebury and do duty agreeable to the directions of the
charter," was also disregarded, unless the case of Col. John Chip-
man hereafter mentioned is an exception. However that may be,
he never obtained his thirty-five acres.

The second, or first hundred acre division was laid out in two
tiers, the first or eastern at the foot of the mountain. It com-
menced at what was then supposed to be the south line of New
Haven. By a correction afterwards this line was removed about
forty rods farther north, forming a strip of that width between it
and the north line of the " home lots," two miles long; Avhich was
called the " long lot," and was afterwards pitched Avith other un-
divided lands. In the eastern tier was laid out thirty-nine lots,
extending not quite to the north line of Salisbury ; numbered from
No. 1, at the north regularly to the south. The second or west
tier, adjoining the first, commenced with No. 40. at the north, and
extended south to No, 6Q, which made the whole number of rights
granted, except the governor's reservation. This tier of course did
not extend so far south as the first, having only seventeen lots.
Each lot contains one hundred acres, with allowance for highways.
The length east and west is called a mile, but by the survey is
330 rods, and the width is fifty rods. The course of the east and
west lines is from the north ten degrees west of south, and parallel
with the east line of the town. The north and south lines run east
and Avest, parallel with the north line of the town. Between Nos.
53 and 54, in the west tier, was reserved a space of the width of two
lots, or one hundred rods, in which was laid out the first or one
acre division ; the west line corresponding with the west line of the
one hundred acre division, and extending east one hundred and
twenty-four rods. This division is called the town plot, and has
never been divided among the proprietors into one acre lots.

156

HISTORY OE jMIDDLEBUKY.

Tlie following diagram exhibits a plan of these divisions, with
the numbers and original proprietors of the lots.

DO

c

O

o

40 Matthew Baldwin. j 1 llu.lutf White

4i Simuel lurner. | 2 ^^chool Right,

42 iiUiSoll Uiiiit. 1 o Jonathan Moore.

43 Oliver Evarts. | 4 David Hide, Jr.

44 T. Atkinson. | 5 Ebenezer Field, Jr.

45 Moses i-;eed. | H Elijah Skinner.

46 Bethel • ellicli. | 7 Kufus JIarsh.

47 Thomas v.liittcuden. | 8 hlkanah Paris.

48 .lohn Abbott | 9 Elias Heed

49 Glebe Kight. | 10 Propagation F.ight.

50 HezekialKanip, ,lr. j 11 .iohn Seymour.

51 Jeremiah Howe. | 12 John ienton.

52 Benjamin Paris. 13 Noah^Vaddanis.

5G Moses Reed, Jr. | 14 Jonathan Mooie, .)r.

ToAvn 1 Glebe 1 15 Nathaniel Evarts.

Plot. 1 2d lOOa.div. | ItJ Elisha Painter.

54 Minister's Right | 17 Gideon Hurlbut.

55 E euezer Eield. | 18 John Evarts

50 Samuel Skinner. | 19 Jeha Howe.

57 Elisha >-lieldon. | 20 Zacheriah Foss.

58 Noah Chittenden. | 21 Nathaniel Flint.

59 Ebenezer rlanchet | 22 M. H. Went^TOrth.

60 Samuel Towsley. | 23 Deliverance Spalding,

61 Charles Brews er. | 24 John Reed.

62 Samuel Moore | 25 Thomas Chipman

63 . 1 anna Meigs | 26 Amos Hanchet

64 Datus Ensign. | 27 John Baker.

65 Jonah Stoddar. | 28 Benjamin Smailej.

66 .lames Claghorn \ 29 David Owen.

I 30 Benjamin Everest.

1 31 John .McQuivey.

1 32 .John Strong

1 33 John Turner, .tr

1 34 Matthias Kelsey.

1 35 Nathanie? Skinner. Jr.

1 36 Daniel Morris

1 37 ^amuel Kee]).

1 38 John Evarts, Jr.

1 39 Matthew Bostwick.

1
1

o
C

o
o

1^

HISTOllY OF :>:iDDLEBUiiy. 157

The following boundaries may explain the position of this
division in its present relation to other lands. Hunger street passes
through No. 40, the first lot in the west tier, about one-third of a
mile from the east and two-thirds of a mile from the west end.
This road, inclining to the east passes across the northeast corner
of No. 52, to the line between the tiers, and thence on that line to
Darius Severance's. The saw-mill on Muddy Branch, owned by
Nichols and Wheeler, is on the west end of No. 47, and the road
formerly leading from this mill southwardly to the dwelling house
of the late Philip Foot is on the west line of the west tier. The
same road still running varies little from the same line until it
reaches the Centre Turnpike. The road leading from the lato
dwelling house of Abner Evarts to the line of Salisbury is on the
west line of the east tier, and the east line of the sam.e tier passes
through the village of East Middlebury ; the building lots of
David Olmstead and Kneelaud Olmstead being on the east end of
lot No. 36.

It seems, that at the time this division -was made, the Middle-
bury lands were not in very high estimation. Benjamin Smalley,
who had been appointed collector of the "rate," assessed to "defray
the charge of laying out the first and second divisions," sold in the
summer following no less than twenty-four whole rights, on which
the tax had not been paid, at from £2, Is. to £1, 10s. each, and
in his report stated, " that one hundi'ed acres of each of the rights
that hath been sold in the whole of this vendue, was put up first to
be sold, as the law of the Province of New Hampshire directs, but
none appearing to buy, the whole rights wcio sold at the prices set
ar^ainst each rinfht.''

The third, or " second hundred acre "' division, authorized at
the meeting held in March 17G5, was never located by the com-
mittee appointed for that purpose, or by any other committee or
agents of the proprietors ; but each owner was authorized to locate
his own lot by " pitching." Each proprietor accordingly surveyed
his land in such manner and at such place as he chose. This
practice made great confusion, and the absence of the records,, con-
taining the principal surveys of this division has made it difficult

158 UISTORY OF .MIDDLEBURY.

to ascertain correctly the location of many of these lots. Many
of the surveys commence at ti'ees or other monuments, which have
disappeared, and without any reference to permanent boundaries.
Some of the lots are known by their numbers, and, for that reason
have been supposed to be regularly laid out in the south part of the
town. But the numbers do not seem to have any reference to the
location of the lots, and, with few exceptions, are scattered irregu-
larly over the town. The numbers were probaljly derived from the
order of time in which the lots were surveyed. Only the earlier
surveys are numbered, and none of the surveys, which we have
discovered, contain the numbers, although some of them refer to
the numbers of other lots, previously survej^ed. We have, in our
possession, belonging to Allen Foot, a plan of Daniel Foot's lands,
made out, under his direction, by Col. Bott, of Bridport. By this
it appears, that the earliest numbers of this division were attached
to land belonging to Daniel Foot and his family, or adjoining such
lands, and probably owned by him, and all in the neighborhood
of the location he had fixed on for the centre of the town. Several
of the lots lie west of and adjoining home lots owned by him. and
all were probably laid out and numbered under his direction. '

It seems, that the proprietors in 1772, probably by a general
vote, authorized the owners of the rights to pitch two hundred
acres together. There are numerous examples of this, as will be
seen hereafter. The conditions, on which this authority was given
we have not been able to ascertain; nor are we able to satisfy
ourselves fully, whether these pitches were intended to embrace the
second and third hundred acre divisions, or v.hether the vote of the
proprietors authorized the owners to surrender their home lots, and
pitch the first and second hundred acres together. It appears also
by surveys on record, that John Chipman and Daniel Foot, and
perhaps others, were authorized to surrender their home lots and
pitch anew " in exchange for that was laid by the committee.''

It has been our wish, as far as possible, to show who were the
first settlers, and the lots on which they settled. For this purpose,
and to supply the deficiency of the records of the proprietors'
meetings, we have made an extensive and laborious search of their

HISTORY OF 3IIDDLEBUIIY. 159

records of surveys and deeds, so far as yye have found them, as "^cll
as the town records ; and for this purpose we copy below some of
the more prominent surveys, and give abstracts of others. The
numbers mentioned in the surveys are the numbers of the homo lots
belon;'ino' to the same rifjhts.

jonx cniPMAN's survey.

*' Laid out to John Chipman, two huuclrcd acres of laud lying in the southwest
part of Midilcbury, and on Middlebury River, beginning at a Tvaluut tree, south
side of a black ash swamp, the northeast corner of his lot, then east thirtv-sevcn
dogrees .south one Imndred and sisty rods to a white-pine tree, then south thii-ty-
eeven degrees west two hundred rods to a white hazel staddle, then west thirty-
seven degrees north one hundred and sixty rods to a vralnut tree, then to the first
inentioned bounds — being the oi'iginal proprietor of the right of Elisha Painter,
uumber 16. September 20lh, 1773.

Surveyed by me,TuiNEAs Brown, Surveyor."

G. painter's survey.

♦' Laid out to Gamaliel Painter, two hundred acres of land iu Middkbury,
Deliverance Spalding being the original proprietor of the lot No. 23. It buts
and bounds as follows : beginning oq his north liue, about fifteen rods north of
his house, at a large heap of stones on the ledge by the river, thence east thirty-
seven degrees south fifty-six rods to a stake, then south thirty -seven degrees west
one hundred and sixty rods to a red ash tree, thence west thirty-seven degrees
north two hundred rods to a large maple, then north thirty-seven degrees east one
hundred and sixty rods to a hard maple, then to the first mentioned bounds.
September 23d, 1773.

Surveyed by me, Phineas Beown, Surveyor."

BENJAMIN SMALLEY'S SURVEY.

•' Laid out to Benjamin Smalley, two hundred acres of land, lying in the south
west part of Middlebury, and on the mouth of Middlebury River, where it empties
into the creek. Begins at a stake at the northwest corner of his Int on the creek '
then east twenty degrees south two hundred and seventeen rods to a walnut tree,
John Chipman's northwest corner, then south thirty-seven degrees west two
hundred and three rods to a walnut tree, the southwest corner of John Chipman's
lot, thi'n west thirty-seven degrees north one hundred and twenty-seven rods to
the creek, thence ou the creek to the first mentioned bounds. Russel Hunt bein"-
the original proprietor, lot No. 42. September 23, 1773.

Surveyed by me, Phix'eas Brown, Surveyor."

At the time of these surveys, the owners were living on the lands,
and Painter's survey refers to " his house " and his "north line,"

160 HISTOIIY OF illDLLEBURV.

Cliipmaii's to the '^ nortlnvest corner of liis lot," and Smallej's has
the same reference. Probably they had previously run out lines
f )r themselves to show the extent of their claims, or they might at
first have pitched only one division, and afterwards had their lots
re-surveyed to contain the two.

John Chipman also pitchol a lot, on the 15th of xiugust 1774,
containing one hundred acres, lying south of the two hundred acres
pitches of John Chipman and Benjamin Smalley, extending from
Painter's 200 acre pitch on the east to the creek on the west, '"' laid
in the third (second hundred acre) division, on the original right
of Janna Meigs. This lot was afterwards purchased by his brother
Thomas Chipman, and occupied by him as his home farm.

During the period, in which Phineas Brown was surveying the
above mentioned two hundred acre lots, he surveyed also the two
following in the same neighborhood. On the 22d of September
1773, " laid out to Thomas Skeel two hundred acres, lying in Mid-
dlebury and on Middlebury River, beginning at the southwest cor-
ner of his lot, at a maple staddle, then east 19*^ south 160 rods to
a stake, then north 19^ east 200 rods to a stake by the river, then
west 19® north 160 rods to a stake, thence to the first bounds."

b'eptember 23d, 1773, " laid out to Eleazar Slasson 200 acres of
land in the township of Middlebury, Nathaniel Flint being the
original proprietor of lot No. 21. It buts and bounds as follovrs,
bejiinninff at a stake, the northwest corner of Thomas Skeel' s lot,
then east 19^^ south 160 rods to a stake, the southeast corner of said
Slasson's, and the northeast corner of said Skeel's, then north 19''
east 96 rods to the hom,e lots, then north 11'^ east on the home lots
107 rods to a witchhazle staddle, then west 19*^ north 150 rods to a
large beech tree, then south 19^^ west 200 rods, then east 19° south
four rods to the first mentioned bounds."

It will be perceived that the east line of the Skeel's lot from the
south runs eight or nine desrrees more to the east than the west line
of the home lots, and thus approaches it, but does not reach it. The
cast line of the Slasson lot, lying north of it, running in the same
direction soon reaches it, leaving; a narrow wedge between these two
pitches and the home lots. Nathaniel Evarts in October 1774,

niSTOriY OF MIDDLEBUIIY. iGl

located a liunclrcd acre pitch on his original right, which embraces
this strip. Joshua Ilyde having purchased the Skeel's lot purchased
also this vredge to bring his land to the home lots and the highway.

Joshua ITydc in 1774, pitched one hundred acres lying east of
home lots 3o and 37, and on both sides of Middlebury Iliver, on
■which the east part of the village of East ]\Iiddlebury is situated.
It crabraces the principal water power and is called Hyde's Mill lot.

The following two hundred acre lots in the neighborhood of Mid-
dlebury Falls, were surveyed by Phineas Brown, near the same
time as those in the south part of tlic town.

September 28th, 1773. '' Laid out to Joshua Hyde two hundred
acres of land in the northwest part of Middlebury, Moses Reed being
the original proprietor of the right, beginning at tlie southwest
corner at a stake near a red ash tree marlccd, then east one hundred
and sixty rods to a stake, then north two hundred rods to a stake
near a beech tree marked, then west one hundred and sixty rods to
a hemlock tree marked, then south two hundred rods to the first
mentioned bounds."

October 22, 1773. " Surveyed for Oliver Evarts, in the north-
westerly part of Middlebury, two hundred acres of land, being the
third division of said Evarts' original right (first 100 acre lot No.
43) beginning at a stake, Avhich is the southeast corner of Joshua
Hyde's lot, from thence running east 20 degrees south one hundred
and sixty rods to a large hard maple tree, marked 0. E. from thence
running north 20 degrees east 200 rods to a witchhazle sapling,
marked 0. E. from thence running west 20 degrees north one hun-
dred and sixty rods to a large white oak tree marked ; from thence
south 20 degrees west 200 rods to the first mentioned bounds."

The location of the former of these lots Avas very important to
our purpose, because the latter has one of its corners for a boun-
dary, and the surveys of sevei-al other lots refer to it. The survey
contains no permanent boundaries, and gives no intimation of its
locality, except that it was " in the northwest part of Middlebury."
No record remains of a conveyance from Hyde to any other person ;
all who were alive at the time have gone to their graves ; and in
the course of eighty years it has been so often divided and subdi-

1(>2 HISTORY OF MIDDLEBL'liy,

vicled, that the present owners have no knowledge of the source fronj
which their title is derived. But a very lahorious examination of
records has solved the mysterj. IIjde"s two hundred acre pitch
lies directly north of the village, and includes the north part of it
as far south as the house of Alanson Dustin, and the highway lead-
ino- from the INIethodist chapel to Dr. Bass's. The southwest cor-
ner was about twenty-three rods east of the creek, and it extends east
over the highest part of the south point of ( hipman's Ilill. The
south part of it was for many years the home farm of Freeman Foot.

The Evarts survey lies east of Hyde's, the southwest corner of
the former being the southeast corner of the latter. It embraced
the farms on which Stephen Goodrich and Robert Huston settled.

In the year 1784 the Surveyor General re-surveyed the lines of
the town, by which the south line of Nevv^ Haven was moved
about forty rods north of what had been recognized as the north
line of Middlebury. At the same time the north line of Salisbury
Avas moved north on to territory which had been supposed to be
included in the limits of IMiddlebury, some of Avhich had been laid
oat as such. Among the lands cut off by this change of the line,
was 170 acres of the two hundred acre pitch of Judge Painter,
including his house. In April, 1785, the proprietors granted him
"the privilege of re-pitching land in lieu of what was cut ofl by
said line." In pursuance of this authority, the following pitch was
made in May 178G : "Beginning at a cherry tree, Avhich stands
forty links from the bank of Otter Creek, thence east 5 chains and
fifty links to a stake near a red ash tree marked, which is the south-
west corner of a two hundred acre pitch laid out to Joshua Hyde,
on the original right of Moses Reed, thence east on the south line
of said pitch 26 chains and 50 links to a maple staddle, thence
south 34 chains and 30 links to a hemlock tree, thence west 12
chains and 75 links to an elm staddle standing on the bank of Otter
Creek, thence following down the creek, as that runs to the bounds
begun at." This embraced the whole of the east side of the falls
and was called the " Mill lot."

In the same month Painter surveyed for Abisha Washburn fifty
acres, of which he received a deed from "Washburn soon after,

IIISTOIIY OF- illBDLliBURY. 163

bounded as follows : bet^nunin"; at an elm tree standinn; on the bank of
Otter Creek, the southwest corner of a fifty acre lot (the mill lot)
'•that was laid out to the said Gamaliel Painter, w'hich contains the
falls on Otter Creek, thence cast 12 chains and 50 links to the south-
east corner of the above mentioned lot, thence north 35 chains to the
south line of a 200 acre pitch laid out to Joshua Iljde, thence cast
18 chains and 50 links to the southeast corner of said pitch, and
the southwest corner of a pitch surveyed to Oliver Evarts, thence
south 37 chains to the southwest corner of a 50 acre lot, that Joseph
Parker is in possession of, thence west 28 chains to a large hem-
loclc tree on the bank of Otter Creek, thence down tlie creek, as
that runs to the ])0unds beoiun at." This adds a tract on the south
side of the mill lot, extending to and embracing the present house
lot of Horace Crane and the lot now occupied by the family of the
late Gideon Carponder, who died November 22, 1858, and embraces
a strip on the east of fifty-four rods wide. These two, making 100
acres, constituted 'the home farm of Judge Painter at the falls, and
embrace the whole tract now covered by the village, on the east side of
the creek, except what is included in the Hyde pitch above mentioned,
and the Eisley pitch, on the paper mill road, mentioned beloiy^.

In June 1785, Benjamin Risley surveyed, among other lands, a
lot of fifty-eight acres, embracing a strip of land between Hyde's
200 acre pitch on the east and the creek, and extending north
from Painter's mill lot to Abisha Washburn's pitch, along the paper
mill street. In addition to the lots north of the village, already
mentioned, a two hundred acre lot was laid out to Samuel Bentley,
Jun., next north of Hyde's pitch. Next north of this Joel Evarts
pitched a second hundred acre lot. Between the Bentley and Evarts
lots on the east, Abisha Washburn had a fifty acre pitch, and
north of these and south of the governor's lot, Risley had a hun-
dred acre pitch, extending to the creek. North of all these is the
governor's 500 acres, in the northwest corner of the town, the east
line of which is about the same as the east line of the highway
from Harry Goodrich's to New Haven line. The southeast corner
of the lot is the triangular piece, cut off from the main body by the
roads, on which John A. Hammond resides.

164 msTor.Y or jvuddlebury.

About the year 1783, the proprietors voted to grant a rigut to
Col. Seth Warner of Bennington. This ridit, in Julv of tiiat
year, he deeded to his son, "for the love and good will I have to
iiiy son Israel Warner, of said Bennington," as he expresses the
consideration ; and he describes the land as being voted to him by
the proprietors " for services done by me in defence of their lands.'"'
The selection had been delayed until all the lands below the moun-
tain had been taken up, and (.'ol. Warner's son pitched his land on
that part of the mountain, which has since been annexed to Ripton,
and it is doubtful, vfhether much, if anything has been received

from it, for the benefit of himself or family. The only survey
Y/as made in 1700. and is as follows :

•' Furvoyed for Isi-ael Warner, one hundred and seventy-seven acres of land, en
the adventurer's right of Seth AVarner, in the town of MiJdlebury, as fullows :
Biginning at a beech tree marked, and the southwest corner of a lot laid out to
Appleton Foot, thence west ten degrees south 177 rods to a stake^ thence nortli ten
degrees west 160 rods to a stake, thence east ten degrees north 177 rods to a birch
tree, the northwest corner of Appleton Foot's lot, thence to the first bounds, con-
taining one hundred and seventy-seven acres "

We shall have occasion to refer to other lots as we proceed with
the settlement of the town.

CnANGE OF TERRITORIAL LIMITS.

The following act was passed by the Legislature on the 25th day
of October 1796, in pursuance of the vote of the town.

" An act annexing part of the town of Cornwall to Middlebury:
It is hereby enacted by the General Assembly of the iftate of
Vermont, that the northeasterly part of the toAvn of Cornvrall, in
the County of Addison, hereinafter described, be, and the same is
hereby annexed to the town of Middlebur}'-. in said County,
bounded as follows, viz : beginning at the southwest corner of said
Middlebury, then running west so far that a north line will strike
the west end of the long causeway, so-called, then on a straight
line to the southeast corner of Ethan Andrus's farm, on which he
now lives, thence on the east line of said farm to the northeast
corner thereof, thence on a straight line to a large white-pine
stump, from which was cut the shingle tree, so-called, thence north
to the north line of said Cornwall, thence east on the north line of

IllsXOltY Ol- MiDJDI.li'UURy. 105

said Cornwall to the we.itwardly side line of Middlebury, thenco
southerly on the •westerly line of INIiddlcbury to the first bounds ;
and the inhabitants, who do or may hereafter iidiabit the abovo
described tract of land, shall, in common with all the other inhab-
itants of said Middlebury, be entitled to all the privileges and

imnmnities of said jMiddlebury."

We would in this connection suggest to the wealthy towns of

Middlebury and Cornwall, that it might not be improper to
substitute more permanent monuments, for the clianging and
decaying boundaries referred to in this act. Not many years henco
the "long causeway" may be converted into a civilized earth road,
so that the " west end "' shall disappear. " The southeast corner "
and the " east line of Ethan Andrus's farm, on which he now lives "
may soon be lost to all living men, through the Yankee propensity to
change often the titles and boundaries of their farms ; and even the
stump of the "shingle tree," obstinate as pine roots are, has been
already principally, if not wholly removed, through the decay which
time has wrought, as well as the necessities of the poor for wood.
The Legislature, on the 11th day of November 1814, also enacted
" That a tract of land on the east side of the mountain in Middle-
bury, in the County of Addison, described as follows, to-wit : begin-
ning at the southeast corner of said Middlebury, thence west on the .
south line of said town one mile, thence northerly to a stake in the
north line of said ^Middlebury, one mile and a half from the north-
east corner of said ]\Iiddlebury ; thence on said north line of said
Middlebury, to the northeast corner thereof, thence to the first
bounds, be and the same is hereby annexed to the town of Ripton,
in said County, and the inhabitants that now do or hereafter may
reside on said tract, shall be entitled to all the privileges and

immunities with the other inhabitants of. said E-ipton."

By another act passed on the 29th day of October 1829, the

farm of Zebina Cushman, lying in Middlebury, and adjoining the west

line of Ripton as established by the preceding act was annexed to

the latter town. — In these chaises Middlebury has lost something

in the extent of its territory, but has gained much in value, by

exchanging the mountain land on the east for the fertile territory

and the valuable water-power added from Cornwall on the west.
5

166 HISTORY or JIIDDLEDURT.-

CHAPTER III.

SETTLEMENT BEFORE THE WAR IN CHARTER LIMITS — BENJAMIN
SMALLEY — GAMALIEL PaINTER — JOHN CHIPMAN AND OTHERS — -
IN TERRITORY ANNEXED FROM CORNWALL — SURVEYS AND
PITCHES — ASA BLODGET — THEOPHILUS ALLEN — THE BENTLEYS
AND OTHERS — .SETTLEMENT IN THIS TERRITORY ^\iTER THE
WAR.

The first settlements, designed to be permanent, were commenced
in tlie spring of 1773. At that time the settlers in the State, under
the New Hampshire title, had become so numerous, as to inspire
them with confidence in their strength effectuallj to resist the claim-
ants under the New York grants. ]Most of the towns south of this
County had already been settled, or immigrants were fast passing
into them. A few settlements had already been made on the French
clearing on the lake shore in Addison, and in New Haven on the
creek above the falls, and one or more families had taken possession
of lands, on the borders of the lake in Panton and Bridport. Gen.
Wooster's claim to a tract of land in the north part of Addison, on
the lake shore, had been effectually resisted, in the fiill of the pre-
vious year, by the claimants under the New Hampshire titles. The
Scotch tenants of Colonel Reed, who had a grant, as a reduced or
half pay officer, including the falls at Vergennes, had, early in that
season, been expelled by Ethan Allen and his company of Green
Mountain Boys ; and all the active New York partizans were in a
course of being subdued or rooted out, by the same force. No
grants had been macje by the governor of New York of lands within
the limits of Middleburv, and there were no claimants under that

y

HTSTv^KY OP xVIIDDLEBURY. 167

title. * Thus the way was opened for the proprietors of ISIiddle-
burj to enter upon the possession of their lands.

Benjamin Saialley from Salisbury^ Conn., and brother of the
late Rev. Dr. Smallcy of Berlin, in that State, was the first immi-
grant, who brought his family into town. In the spring of 1773,
he took possession and built the first log house in town, on his two
hundred acre pitch, lying at the mouth of ^Middlebury River. John
Chipman and Gamaliel Painter had been here to look out a place
for settlement and make some preparation, and soon after returned
with their families. Judge Painter's Avifo, being a sister of Col.
Chipman, they joined forces in making preparations for living in
their new abodes. They first built Painter's house, and perhaps
had done so before their families came, and there they lived together
until Chipman's house was completed. The first houses here, as in
other new countries, were log cabins. There was no saw mill in
this, or any of the neighboring towns ; and if they had had the
means, they would not have wasted in building more expensive
houses, the time needed for clearing their land for the crops, which
were needed for their subsistence. Smalley's house was on the
site of the frame house, which he afterwards built and occupied to
the time of his death. Chipman's house was also near the place
where he afterwards built his brick house ; and Painter's was north
of and near the river, and east of the centre road leading south, and
was thrown into Salisbury, by the re-survey of the town line.

John Chipman had, before this, in 17G6, cleared on his lot seven
or eight acres, which was the, first clearing in JNliddlebury. In the

* Although no persons were here claiming lands under the New York title, sev-
eral of the owners, under the New Hampshire charters seem to have been inclined
to recognize the jurisdiction of New York. Daniel Foot, Benjamin Smalley, Thomas
Skeels and perhaps others, in deeds given soon ofi .n- the first settlement, describe
their residence as in '• Middlebury, in the County of Charlotte, and Province of
New York." This seems to have been univei'sal in Cornwall. Some deeds given
about the same date say, " no^r the jurisdiction claimed by New York," or "re-
puted to be in the Province of NewVork." But it is known on the other hand, that
there were in the uiwn, ininy strenuous and active opposcrs of that jurisdiction.
Many of the first settlers were the neighbors and acquaintances of Ethan Allen, in
Salisbury, Connecticut.

168 HISTORY or illDDLEDURY.

spring of that jcar, he started, with fifteen other young men, for
the purpose of looking up, and making preparation for, a settlement
in the wilderness. Some of them were destined for that part of
New Haven now included in "Waltham, borderino; on the creek
above the falls at Vergennes ; some for the lake shore in Panton,
and some for the French clearina; in Addison. Amoncr the latter
was David Yallance, who afterwards settled in that place on the
farm recently owned by David Vallance Chambers, his grandson,
Chipraan and Vallance jointly hired a colored man, with the nnder-
standing that he should Avork half the time for Vallance in Addison,
and the other half for Chipman, in Middlebury. This company
started from Salisbury, Conn., with a cart and oxen, which con-
veyed their farming tools and other freight. According to Chip-
man's account, as related by Dr. jNIerrill, they found no house
north of jSIanchester. They made their way as they could,
through the wilderness, cutting out their path, where there was not
room between the trees for their team. They followed up the
Battenkill to the headwaters of Otter Creek, vrhich they followed
down to the foot of Sutherland's Falls in Pittsford. Here they
stopped long enough to make a canoe out of a large tree. They
then fastened their cart to the stern of it, loaded their tools and
provisions into it, with men enough to row it, while the rest with
their oxen traveled through the woods on the bank. At Middle-
bury they loaded their canoe into the cart, which was drawn by
the oxen around the bend of the creek on the east bank, until they
arrived at the foot of the lower falls in Weybridge. Here they
transferred their canoe to the water and followed the creek to
Vergennes.

At this time Chipman had no title to the land, on which he made
his clearing, or probably any other in Middlebury. The deed by
which he received his title to the land is dated January 14, 1773,
only a short time before he commenced his settlement. It is
probable that when he reached the mouth of Middlebury River he
followed up that stream to a place which promised well for a settle-
inent, and there pitched his tent.

These were the only families, which had located themselves in

HISTORY or MIDDLEDUltY. 169

town the first jcar. Elcazar Slasson, the same year commenced a
clearing on his two hundred acre pitch, before mentioned, directly
west of home lot No. 3G, and built a cabin there. The same year
James Owen commenced on a part of the same pitch, being a fifty
acre lot, which he had before purchased of Slasson. Dr. ^Merrill
says, " James Owen made a beginning but sold to Joshua Hyde."
Hyde's deed from Owen is dated 26th June 1781, while both were
in Salisbury during the war. Besides, Hyde on his return in 1774,
did not settle on any land, which Owen had owned, nor did he until
after the war. Samuel Bentley made a beginning and put up a
barn on his two hundred acre pitch, north of Hyde's pitch, and
near the place where Eleazar Conant afterwards lived on the west
side of Chipman's Hill. Jonathan Chipman the same year, com-
menced a clearing on the second hundred acre lot on the right of
his brother Thomas Chipman. This lot lies northeast of Col. Chip-
man's pitch, and is the same afterwards owned and occupied by
Freedom Loomis. Thomas Chipman, the original proprietor, soon
after the date of the charter, and before the first meeting of the
proprietors, deeded his whole right to his younger brother Jona-
than, who attended the meetings and acted as proprietor.

In the year 1774, Robert Torrance moved his family into town,
and commenced a settlement on the west end of home lot No. 33, in
the place where he afterwards built a brick house, in which he re-
sided until the time of his death. He owned also Nos. 31 and 32,
lying next north.

The same year Bill Thayer settled on fifty acres of Slasson's 200
acre pitch, which ho had before purchased, lying west of and adjoin-
incr home lot No. 34.

Joshua Hyde, one of the earliest settlers, was born in Lebanon,
Conn., where his family resided; but when fourteen years of age,
he went to live with his uncle. Dr. Joshua Porter in Salisbury, an
original proprietor, and remained there until his manhood. In the
year 1773, ownmg a lot of land in that part of New Haven,
wbich has since been formed into the town of Waltham, on Otter
Creek, near the falls in Vergennes, he worked on it and put in
crops that season. A conEiderable tract of land in that neighbor-

170 HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY.

hood had been granted bj the governor of New York to Col. Reed, a
reduced or half pay officer of a Scotch regiment, for his services in
the French war. Reed had before driven off the claimants under
the New Hampshire title, and had put his own tenants in possession.
These in their turn were driven off by a company of Green Moun-
tain Boys under Ira Allen. In the summer of 1773, Col. Reed
appeared again with a company of recent immigrants from Scotland.
The result of the meeting was, that Reed's men went into posses-
sion, and the New Hampshire claimants went out. Reed's story
was that he paid the men for their crops, and they voluntarily
quitted. However that may be, the Scotchmen were not long left in
quiet possession, before Ethan Allen appeared with a more formid-
able force, and effectually and finally banished them from the
country. Reference is made to this subject more in detail in the
history of Addison County. Mr. Hyde, for some reason, thought
it not best to return there, and, after remaining a while in Middle-
bury, went to Salisbury and spent the winter. Hyde, on his way
south, met Ethan Allen and his company, on their way to the falls,
to drive off Reed's men, and returned Avith them.

In the spring of 1774, he returned to Middlebury and commenced
a settlement here. He was before the owner of some land in Mid-
dlebury, and about the time of his settlement here, he purchased
two whole rights, embracing home lots No. 36, which he afterwards
cultivated as a part of his home farm, and No. 33, which he sold to
Robert Torrance. He also purchased Skeel's 200 acre pitch. This
lot lies west of and not far from the home lots. It was undoubtedly
on this lot, that he first settled. The place described by Dr. Mer-
rill is on this lot, and the remains of his house are still to be seen
there.

William Hopkins this year commenced a clearing and built a
cabin on the south part of Oliver Evarts' 200 acre pitch, east of the
village, near the place, on which Dr. William Bass, in his life time
lived.

Daniel Foot from Dalton, adjoining Pittsfield, Mass., which, in
some of his deeds, he calls " Ashuelot Equivalent," owned at least
four or l&ve home lots and as many second hundred acre lots, in the

TIl.^TOUV OF .MIDDLEBURY. 171

same neighborhood. Among others he owned No. 5, on the right of
Nathaniel Skinner, and No. G, on the right of Samuel Skinner,
both lying west of and adjoining the home lots. In 1774, he com-
menced a settlement, and built a house on No. 5, southwest fi om
Avhere he finally settled. The remains of the foundation of thi.s
house are still to be seen.

Simeon Chandler from Arlington, in the year 1775, began a
settlement on the west end of home lots Nos. 37 and 38.

Daniel Foot had deeded to Enoch Dewey of Pittsfield, who had
married his daughter, lot No. 2, in tlte second hundred acre
division, which lies directly west of home lot No. Go, which Mr.
Dewey also owned. On the lot which his father-in-law deeded to
him he commenced a clearing near where his son Stillman Dewey
lived and died. He did not remove his family before the war, and
died of the Small pox in February, 1778, in the thirty-third year
of his age, leaving two children, Stillman and Patty.

Joseph Plumley, from Salisbury, Conn., in the year 1775, began
a settlement on a second hundred acre division on the right of
Ebenezer Field. The lot was afterwards owned and for several
years occupied by Billy ]\Ianning, then by John Simmons, Esq.,
and now by Reuben Wright. Plumley died soon after and left a
w idow and one daughter, to whom we shall refer in our account
of the settlement after the war.

John Ilinman, from "Wallingford, the same year ^ttled on a
second hundred acre lot, east of lot No. 14 of the same division,
in the place where William Carr, Jr., now resides.

In this year Samuel Bcntley settled on his two hundred acre
pitch, on which he had built a barn in 1773. About the same
time James Bentley, his father, settled on the north part of the same
pitch, where he was living in 1775.

Philip Foot, the eldest son of Daniel Foot, in 1775, came to-
Middlebury, a young man, and commenced a clearing on lot No. 7
in the second hundred acre division, b'ing west of and adjoining
home lot No. 56, and north of No. 6, owned by his father. He
also owned No. 8, next north of the other.

Eber Evarts, also a young man, and son of Nathaniel Evarts,

172 HISTORY OF illDDLEiSUuY.

an ori<^inal proprietor, began a clearing tbis year, on a second
bundred acre pitcb on tbe rigbt of bis fatber, wbieb is now owned
and occupied by Col. Joel Boardman.

Tbcse, so far as we are able to learn, were tbe only persons wbo
attempted a settlement in tbe charter limits of Middlebury before
tbe war. And tbese bad scarcely nestled in tbeir new homes in tbe
wilderness, and were anxiously looking forward to brighter scenes,
wider fields and more abundant crops and comforts, when the
desolations of war disturbed tbeir repose, drove them from tbeir
cabins and terminated tbeir anticipations.

In December 1776, and before the family were driven off by tbe
war, Zerah Smalley, a son of Benjamin Smalley, died at the age
of eighteen, and in Eebruary following, his daughter Anah, of tbe
age of twenty years, having become insane, wandered into tbe
woods, where she remained through tbe night, exposed to tbe
severe cold of the winter, and perished before she was found in tbe
morning.

TERRITORY ANNEXED FROM CORNWALL.

The territory annexed from Cormvall being separate in its early
settlement, we here place together the history of tbe agricultural
part of that territory, as well after as before tbe war.

Tbe partition of lands in Cornwall is in greater confusion than
that of Middlebury ; and no land owner can make out a title to bis
farm except*by tbe statute of limitations, or by a prior possession,
which no man can dispute with a better title. There was never
any regular division of the lands. The whole seems to have been
accomplished by an irregular system of pitches. The rigbt of
pitching was often granted on condition of performing certain
services, such as clearing out and opening roads. Besides, all the
records of the proceedings of the proprietoi's and of the surveys
Avere burnt previous to tbe tenth of February 1778. A large
portion of tbis part of Cornwall bad been previously surveyed, the
records of which were destroyed. The lands near the creek were
generally settled earlier than other parts of the town ; and nearly
as many occupants were in possession of the agricultural parts as
at the present time. i\. few of the surveys previou'^lY luade. were

illSTOllt OF MIDULI^liUUT. 173

recorded after the war, and others are ascertained from subsequent
deeds. Such are the folloAving. The proprietors granted to Judge
Painter the right of pitching two hundred acres, for service done in
surveying the "great road," through Cornwall, which is described
as lying "across the north and south road, not far from tlie mid-
dle of the town." One deed, dated May 1, 1784, conveys "one
hundred acres, being a part of a certain grant of land, made and
granted by the proprietors of said township of Cornwall, to Col.
Seth "Warner, and Major Robert Cochran and company, for building
a block house at New Haven, and other services done for the pro-
prietors of said town."

A meeting of the proprietors was held on the 10th day of Feb-
ruary 1778, by adjournment ; previous to which all their records
were burnt. This meeting was again adjourned from time to time,
and on the 15th of April was furtlicr adjourned until October fol-
lowing. But no meeting was then held or subsequently until after
the war. The next meeting was held in September 1783, the
notice of which was signed by " Timothy Bronson Assistant," and
dated " Sunderland June 80, 1783," where he resided.

Daniel Foot, previous to his return to Middlebury, after the war,
being desirous of obtaining a water power for the erection of mills
on the west side of the falls, on the Gth day of February 1784,
took a deed from Israel Dewe^'-, of Westfield, Mass., conveying land
of the following description, — " One certain right or share of land
in the township of Weybridgc, in the State of Vermont, and County
of Rutland," " said right is laid out and bounded on Otter Cceek,
on the falls called and known by the name of Middlebury Falls,
and is lot No. 53, which fell to me the subscriber, original propri-
etor, by draft." There are also on record several deeds referring to
Weybridge " Old corner." It is obvious that a different line was
originally recognized, as dividing the towns of Cornwall and Wey-
bridge, and far enough south to include the falls in the latter town ;
and by persevei'ing examination, we find that it forms the division
line between Foot's mill lot, and the home f^irm of the late Col.
Storrs. There is no record of the time and manner of alterins: this

line, nor have we found any living man, who had any knowledge of
6

174 HISTORY OF MIDDLEBLT.Y.

such a lino. But it is probable that the change v.-as made bj the
surveyor general in 178-1, -when the town lines of Middlebury were
re-survejed and corrected. Among the records of Cornwall town
meeting in November 1787, is the following: "A petition from
Wejbridge for setting off from Cornwall to the former old line was
read and rejected."

The town of Cornwall was organized on the second day of March
1784, two years before Middlebury. The following is the action of
the town of Cornwall, in relation to the first bridge built by Daniel
Foot across the creek at the falls, at a meeting in September 1788 :
" The report of the committee to confer Avith Mr. Foot about the
bridge was read : Voted to join with Daniel Foot of Middlebury,
to petition the assembly for a lottery to pay Mr. Foot for his bridge
over the creek and, if not granted, to petition for a land tax for
the aforesaid purpose." A land tax was granted on the town of
Cornwall, as well as on the town of Middlebury, and of Avhich one
half the expense was paid by Cornwall.

Asa Blodget from Salisbury, Conn., was probably the first set-
tler in that part of Cornwall annexed to Middlebury. Previous to
the 27th of October 1774, he seems to have been the owner of the
right of Zuriel Jacobs. On that day he pitched, on that right,
'' one hundred acres and seven acres for allowance for highways,
according to the vote passed at the proprietors' meeting the 8rd of
May last," embracing the large bow in the creek, near the south
line of the town, owned by the late Ira Stev/art, Esq., and now in
possession of his sons. In the summer of 1773, and previous to
his survey, Blodget had settled on this lot, near the creek. The
principal travel at that time was on the creek, by boats and rafts in
the summer, and on the ice in the winter. His object in locating him-
self in this place, was to provide refreshment and rest for travellers.
ITe built his cabin on the rising ground a little west of the creek,
near where the present house stands. He had also a shanty near the
creek to accommodate temporary travellers, when it was not over-
flowed, as was common in high freshets. His house was the point,
to which all travellers to and from Cornwall and the vicinitv aimed.

HISTORY OF MIDDLEI3URY. 175

He continued in this place until the war and until most of the inhab-
itants had left.

Dr. Merrill says, " Before the revolutionary war, Penuel Stevens
settled on a strip of land near Otter Creek, south of Blodgct,
and north of Flat Brook." We have no further information of
this man. He could not have owned land there, and he did not
return after the war. Mr. Russell Vallett, Avho recently owned this
land, says there is evidence of a former settlement there, about fifty
rods above Blodgct's pitch, and one hudred rods riorth of Flat Brook,
on a small p".ece of land on the bank of the creek, which is not
overflowed by freshets. Some remains of the foundation of a house
and cornhills are found there, and the trees growing round it, when
he purcliased^ were smaller than those of the surrounding forests.
The small timber on about thirty acres, somewhat higher than the
surrounding swamp, and about fifty rods from the creek, he thinks
evidence of a former clearing.

Theophilus Allen, before the war — probably in 1773, settled on
an eighty acre lot next north of Blodget's farm. Vfe find no
record of the lands on which he settled until after the war. He
subsequently pitched the lot on which he lived ; and the hundred
acre lot, on which his brother David Allen afterwards settled, and
both on the right of Nathan Benton.

James Bentley, Jr., previous to the war, settled en a hundred
and fifty acre lot, a part of which is now owned by Mr. "Warren
Moore, and built a small house, near the house in which Mr. Moore
lives.

Thomas Bentley settled on a lot lying south and east of the
above, and running to the creek, which is the farm since owned
successively by Asa Harris and Hon. S. S. Phelps, and now by
Marshal T. Shacket. His house was near the present dwelling
house. What title he had at that time we are not able to ascertain.
But after the war in 1786, he made a pitch of two hundred and
twenty-two acres, extending from the Creek west to William
Douglass's land, including this farm. Bentley returned after the
war and continued in possession of his farm until 1793, when he
sold it to Hezckiah Wadsworth, and removed from the country.

176 IirSTOIiY OF HIDDLEBURY.

Next south of Thomas Eontlej, Vy'illiam Doughiss settled near
the house in which his son James Douglass, and his grand son of
the same name ha,ye since resided, and -syhich was owned by the
late Dr. Ford of Cornwall, and now by his son, Charles R. Ford.

Joseph Throop, from Whiting, in 1774 settled on a lot next
south and east of Douglass and running to the creek, on the
ground where Dan Throop, his son, afterwards lived, and which has
since been owned by Johathan Hagar, Esq., and occupied by
Joseph Stearns. The same lot was recently owned and occupied by
Abijah Hurd, and has lately been purchased by Gardner and
Isaac Eells. Joseph Throop also ow^ned the lot south of the above,
on which his son Samuel resided, and which now belongs to the
farm purchased by Eells of Hurd. In the spring of 1843, Alvah
English resided on this farm, which he had owned and occupied for
several years. He owned also a lot on the creek. In a great
freshet which occurred at that time, the low lands were overflowed,
his fences were swept away and the rails were floating on the
water. In order to collect and save these he built a raft of rails,
at the bend of the creek, near the foundation of the house, where
James Bentley, and afterwards Samuel Benton resided before th e
war, took on his son, ten or twelve years old, and attempted to go
in pursuit of his floating rails. Not being able to guide his raft
it was drawn into the current and parted in the eddy, and he and
his son fell into the creek and were drowned, on the 20th day of
April of that year. He was in his forty-fifth year. The body of
his son was never recovered.

In 1774 James Bentley, senior, had settled and resided on the
bank of the creek, about five rods south of Throop's line at the
bend of the creek, about two miles south of the village. In the
year following he lived in a house on the north part of the
Bentley pitch in Middlebury.

Col. Samuel Benton, who owned considerable land in other parts
of Cornwall, in 1775, established his residence on the bank of the
creek at the same place and piobably in the same house which had
been occupied by James Bentley, and which, for want of a title or
otherwise, he had left. The foundation of this house, some

HISTORY OP MIDDLEBUKY, 177

currant bushes, and other signs of a residence ■n'ere to be seen,
until they were I'cmoved by the construction of the rail-road.

These were all tlie settlers on this tract before the war.

In 1783 Asa Blodget returned to his former possession, and
continued it until 1795, when he sold it to Anthony Rhodes, from
whom it has passed through several hands to its present owners.

Theophilus Allen, at the close of the war also returned and went
into possession of his former lot, and resided on it until 1797,
when he deeded it to Joshua Ilenshaw, from New Hartford, Conn. /
Mr. Ilenshaw's first settlement in this town was at this place, where
he resided until he removed to the village in 1800. It is now as it
has been for many years, occupied by Silas Piper and his son Silas
Piper, Jr.

William Douglass, in thq fall of 1783, returned to his farm with
two young sons, for the purpose of making preparation for the
return of his family. On the 19th of December of that year he
went into the forest to cut wood and Avas instantly killed b}' the
fall of a tree. On a monument erected at his grave on the
rising ground southerly from his house is the following inscription :

"Mr. Yfilliam Douglass, born June 22, 1735, was killed

instantly by the fall of a tree, December 19, 1783.

Here life and all its pleasures end,
Here mourners waud^j-, read and ■weep ;
Soon each succeeds his fliUen friend,
And in the same cold earth must sleep.

Mr. Douglass, his widow and children owned several tracts
adjoining his home farm, occupied at different times by different
members of his family, including Orange Throop, hi^ son-in-law.
James Douglass was the last of his sons, Avho occupied the home-
stead after the death of the Avidow. I]e went to the south in 1822,
where his daughter was teaching, and died there. His widow and
father-in-law James Bentley continued to reside there with his son,
until their several deaths, and his son afterwards sold the farm and
moved to the west.

Joseph Throop, when he returned after the war, went into
possession of his farm, but died twelve or fourteen years after, and

178 HISTORY OF illDDLEBUKY.

his widow married Eleazar Davis. Davis and lii.s wife continued in
possession for a time, avid in 1796 gave a deed of the two lots
above mentioned to her sons Dan and Samuel Throop, Avho occupied
the premises as before stated.

Col. Samuel Benton did not occupy his house on the bank of
the creek after the war, but resided elsewhere in Cornwall.

James Bentlej senior, after the war, liuilt him a house on tho
bank of the creek near the house of Hop. Johnson, mentioned
elsewhere, and after Johnson deserted his family in 1789 Bentley
lived with his dauo:hter Mrs. Johnson, l^he Avas soon after married
to James Douglass, and Bentley lived with them for some years on
the ridge south of Davenport's new house, until they removed
tocjether to the Douo;lass farm, as mentioned above. James
Bentley, senior, died in 1829, at the age of ninety-three years.

James Bentley Jr., returned to his farm after the war, and
rem^ained on it for some years. In 1788, he deeded fifty acres to
William Donaghy, who built a house southerly from Bentley's, on a
road then open, leading from James Bentley's to Thomas Bentley's,
On this lot Donaghy resided until 1795, when he sold it to Thomas
and Ep. Spencer, who were in possession for twelve or fifteen
years, and sold it to Dr. Willard and Ethan Andrus. The
Spencers were succeeded in the possession of the house by Julius
Wilcox. A part of the land deeded to Willard on which the
house stood, is annexed to the farm of Warren Moore. Harvey
Wilcox, son of Julius Wilcox, now residing in the village on the
Cornwall road, purchased a piece of land and moved to it the old
house in which his father lived, and resided there until 1830. In
1831, Harvey Pritchard purchased this and other adjoining lands —
has repaired the house and still lives there.

In the year 1788, Capt. Samuel Wright, then of Weybridge,
purchased several pieces of land south of the Douglass farm and
west of the Throop lot, and among others a small piece of Thomas
Bentley, on which he erected a house, now occupied by Julius
Douglass, who owns the farm. In this place he resided until his
death in December 1818, at the age of eighty-two years. By his
will he provided for the support of his widow, and her daughter

lIISToUY OF .M1I>DLEUURY. 179

by a former husband, during their lives, and gave the remainder to

the Congregational Societv- The amount remaining to the Society

is about seven hundred dollars. I lis widow, Esther Wright died iii

1840, aged eighty-eight years.

In the year 1701 Thom;is Bentley deeded to Andrew Nicliols a

tract of eighty-nine acres on the north side of his two hundred and

twenty- two acre pitch, extending west from the creek, on which he

resided for some time, and it was called his " home lot." Not

many years since there were on this lot an old log house and a

plank house, probably built by him, a short distance north of the

former residence of Thomas Bentley, now owned by Shacket.
In 1703 Bentley deeded to Luther Wright, of Swanzy, N. H.,

a tract on the south side of his pitch, extending west from the

creek to the laud of Capt. Samuel Wright. Wright occupied this

as his home farm for some time ; but v.hile carrying it on it is

understood that he lived with his uncle. Samuel Wrigh, and built no

house on his land. No person, as owner of either of these lots has

since resided on them. Both lots arc now owned by James

McDonald, Esq.

David Alleu^ a brother of Theophilus Allen, after the war

settled on the farm next north of his brother, now owned by

Alfred Stowcll. He continued his residence here until the year

1805, when he died at the age of forty-three years. His widow,

after his death, was married to Elijah Keeler, and they remained

in possession of the farm during their lives.

Previous to the year 1706, Francis Garrett settled on a lot of

ninety-two acres, next north of the home farm of David Allen, built
a log house and resided on it until 1803, when he deeded it to
Daniel and William Campbell. The title has since passed through
several hands. The tract between the creek and the road was for-
merly owned by Asa Harris, and during that time his son built a
house and resided in it for some time. The house has since been
removed, and the land is now owned by Marshall T. Shackett. On
the west of the road, John Stearns, son of Joseph Stearns, built a
house and resided a few rods south of the barn belonging to Shack-
ett. This tract is now owned by Jacob W. Conroe. Esq., and the
liousc is occupied by a tenant.

180 HIciTOKY OF xMIDDLBI3Ul'.Y.

CHAPTER IV.

KETREAT OF THE SETTLERS — EMPLOYMENT IN THEIR ABSENCE —
OTIIEIl EVENTS DURING THE WAR — MISS TORRANCE'S STORY —
JUDGE PAINTER COL. CUIPMAN.

After the retreat of tlic American army in June 1776. from the
disastrous expedition into Canada, the inhabitants of this and the
neighboring towns were somewhat exposed to depredation from
scouting parties of British, tories and Indians, and especially after
the defeat of the American fleet under Arnold, in October following.
And it is not improbable, that some of the more timid families re-
treated from the country during that season. But the}'- were vastly
more exposed, the following year, when Eurgoyne, with his formid-
able army sailed up the lake, dispersing every form of opposition.
For this reason we have been forced into no little incredulity as to
the exact correctness of the following statement of Dr. Merrill.
He says — " Agreeably to advice from head quarters of our army
at Ticonderoga, all the inhabitants of Middlebury and (.ornwall,
except Daniel Foot and Benjamin Smalley, removed in June 1776.
Some of them on the Cornwall side of the river did not leave one
extreme of their firms, till the Indians in search of booty were
lurking in the other. Foot and Smalley after being pillaged of
most of their moveable property, abandoned their homes in Septem-
ber of the same year. These two individuals however, with their
families, returned in the following winter and remained until the
spring of 1778." This is a representation of events which might
be supposed to have existed in June of the year following. But
the histories of that period do not furnish any adequate reason for
such general alarm and sudden retreat in Juno 1 776. The last of

b

UISTur.Y 01- illDLLEDl-IlY. 181

the American troops did not leave St. Johns until the 18th of
June. From the reduced and enfeebled state of the army, it was
decided to relinquish Crown Point and concentrate the whole army
at Ticonderoga ; but they did not leave the former place until after
the 12th of July, and retained possession of Ticonderoga until
driven from it by Burgoyne's army on the 6ih of July of the fol-
lowing year. The American Navy had the control of the lake until
the British had constructed their fleet and defeated the former in
October. Until this time the British had no orc^anized force south

O

of Canada, and their fleet, which tJien came out, remained only
about a month, and returned to Canada Avith their whole force,
without attackino; tlie American fortifications at Ticonderof'a.
There were, at the time of the invasion of Burgoyne in 1777,
American families at Crov,n Point and on the opposite shore in
Addison, Bridport and Panton, v.-ho for the first time fled on the
approach of the Indians so near, that they hardly escaped with the
utmost haste. At the time of the evacuation of Ticonderoga, on the
6tii of July of that year, the Convention engaged in forming the
first constitution of the State were thrown into a state of excitement
and disorder because the fiimilies of some of the western members
were exposed by the invasion. After this, and perhaps before,
foraging and scouting parties, composed of British, Tories and
Indians, were often roaming through the country to obtain supplies,
who stole and carried away every moveable thing they could lay
their hands on, but there was no general destruction of property
or capture of prisoners until the fall of 1778. Even at this time,
there were residents in several of the neighboring towns who were
taken prisoners and sent into Canada.

By the records of Cornwall, it appears that Judge Painter
surveyed a lot of land in that town on the 11th of April, 1777,
which was entered of record the same day, but was recorded
afterwards. The records of that town previous to February 1778
being burnt furnish no farther evidence previous to that time.
At the meeting of the proprietors held in that town on the 14th
and 15th of April 1778, much important business was transacted
relating to their lands. But we are not able to call to our aid any

182 HISTORY OF MIDDLEBUHY,

living witnesses or records in jMidJlebury to offset against the better
testimony which Dr. Merrill had an opportunity to obtain.

Whatever the correct date of the retreat may be, it is true that
on a sudden alarm most of the settlers fled from the country in
great haste. The privations and hardships of their recent settle-
ment in the wilderness were sufficiently appalling, but were fearfully
aggravated by their being so suddenly banished from their homes
into exile by the ravages of war. It is to be regretted that some
one did not, before it was too late, collect from the sufferers the
stories of their trials. Philip Battell, Esq., more thoughtful than
others, several years ago collected some facts from a few individuals
since dead. These, Avith such others as we have been able to
obtain from other sources, we intersperse with our narrative.

Miss Olive Torrance, daughter of Robert Torrance, whom we
have mentioned as a settler, is the only witness who had any
kiiowledge of the events before the war, or during the retreat.
The following is a part of her story as reported by Mr. Battell :

Her father, she says, came to this country from Ireland in 1754^
when he was eighteen years old. He became a resident of Wood-
bury, Conn., and married Sally Peck, of that place. He removed
to Middlebury with his familj^, with the first parties in 1774.
They descended Otter Creek on a boat or raft, and made their
beginning in a log house, which he had built on the spot where the
family still live. She was then five years old.

The retreat from the country occurred three years after, upon
the invasion of Burgoyne. She thinks the removal was in August;
it might have been in June or early in July. Her mother went
out, before they left, among the garden vines, which were numerous
and promising, regretting to leave them. The state of apprehen-
sion had been previously such that one Evarts, belonging to that
neighborhood, and then in a company at Ticonderoga, arriving and
visiting at their house early in the morning, produced great
agitation among them. As a further alarm was to be given, the
men, before hoeing was finished, turned out and dug out six bass-
wood canoes near the river, and decided not to go until further
notice, Avhen all were to be iu readiness. When the final mcssane

HISTORY OF MIDDLBBUllY. 163

■came their goods were taken to tlie river, the raft constructed, on
which the women and children Avere placed, and the journey com-
menced, Otter Creek being again their common highway. The
party landed at Pittsford, where there was a military post, and Mrs.
Torrance followed the train of women and children towards the settle-
ment. She was carrying a child two years old in a sort of double-
gown, brought over her shoulders, and in this plight saw a regiment of
soldiers drawn up in front of her. She sat down by the way on a log
and wept. A neighbor, Mr. Boardmun, coming up on a horse,
carrying an ox yoke behind him, insisted on laying off his yoke and
tiiking her instead, bidding her not be down-hearted, but expect
that things would turn out better than she feared. As they passed
the regiment, the Colonel recognized her and called out, "My
God, there's Sally Peck. It makes a man's eyes run to see you
brought to this." The soldiers, at his instance gave up their
quarters to the women and children, brought them water for their
washing and cooking, and made them as comfortable as possible
under the circumstances. Many of them knew Mis. Torrance as
their towns-Avoman, and sympathized with her and felt for the
distresses of the people. Miss Torrance's father joined his family the
next day, bringing with him his stock of cattle. From this place
the family went to Rutland, and from that place communicated with
a brother-in-law in Richmond, Mass., who came on with horses for
their party. The family was under the protection of an uncle
in Litchfield for a time, and then joined her father, who was then
employed, during the war, in one of the furnaces in Salisbury,
casting ordnance for the army. He was absent eight years. He
was employed seven years in the furnace, the eighth he took a
farm. His cow he had sold on his flight at Rutland, his oxen in
Connecticut. These were replaced by the produce of a cow bought
in Salisbury, which, by letting, had multiplied with her issue to
twenty-one, having but a single male in the number.

The first child born in town, as Miss Torrance thinks, was with
them on the raft. This was Hannah Bentley, the only infant
amono; fifteen or sixteen children, and of course much noticed
among them, Mr. Slasson, whose child is said by Dr. Merrill to

184 ' IIIST.;r.Y OF :>I1DCLEEURY.

have been the first born in town, lived in the immediate neighbor-
liood of the Torrance family, after thej came to town, and she is
certain had no child born there.

The first school house was built of logs, before the retreat of the
settlers on " Tallow Hill," on the road leading from the poor house
to Jonathan Seelej's. Eunice Keep, daughter of Samuel Keep,
the first clerk of the proprietors, was brought from Crown Point,
where the famil j then resided, to teach in it. She had commenced
her school, but left on the alarm. Miss Torrance had not begun to
attend. After their return, a school, the second in town, was kept
by Mrs. Torrance, in their own neighborhood.

Some. kinds of provisions were left concealed by the inhabitants,
on their retreat. Sugar and fiour, left by her family, she says,
•were taken from their storage, under the floor and consumed.
Their pewter, and other articles, buried for safe keeping, were
also taken up and appropriated. The house itself suffered no injury,
except, as she thinks, from a party of immigrants, wdio had it for
a shelter some cold nights, and took a board from the chamber floor
for kindling wood. Otherwise they found it as they left it.

I The Story and Smalley families remained through the war,
Mrs. Story's cave, on the bank of the creek in Salisbury, Miss
Torrence supposed to have been intended for a storehouse for goods
only, rather tha.n for the concealment of individuals. Mrs. Smalley
told her of a visit from a scouting party of the enemy, chiefly
Indians. An Indian took a milk-skimmer she was using and put
it in his bosom. On which she complained to the commander, who
compelled him to restore it. A part of the Foot family staid at
John Foot's to secure the crops. They visited her mother's garden
after the family had gone, and found the melons ripened by
thousands. Thus far Miss Torrance.

It is represented by all, that the flight of the inhabitants was
sudden and made in great haste. It was the common practice to
dig into the ground, and conceal such articles as they could not
carry with them. The family of Daniel Foot, before they left,
dug into the ground, in a thick hemlock grove, and built a large
crib with poles, into which they put a half barrel of soap, such

L

IirSTOriY OF MIDDLEBURY. 185

pnrt of the furniture and other articles as they uere compelled to
leave, covered the crib with plank, and on the top of the Avholc
piled hemlock branches, so as to resemble a large brush heap. On
their return, after the war, they found their soap and other articles
uninjured. ]Mr. Allen Foot, a grandson of Daniel Foot, has now
in his possession a chest, which was thus preserved. A case of
drawerSj preserved in the same way, still remains in the possession
of some of the relatives.

Mrs. Loomis, daughter of Col. John Chipman and wife of Horace
Loomis Esq., of Burlington, represents, that her family fled in great
haste, and, like the other inhabitants, buried such articles of value,
as they could not in their haste take with them. She showed us a
small looking glass, which was thus preserved. The fi'ame wa:>
rotted oflf, and it has since been put into a rough frame, apparently
" whittled out " with a jack knife.

William Douglass, before he left, concealed the family articles in
the same way, but his family not returning until after he was killed,
the place of deposit was never discovered by them.

While the British had control of the kike, probably in 1777,
f jraging and scouting parties, composed chiefly of Indians, made
excursions into the several towns, appropriating to themselves such
moveable property, as suited them belonging to those, Avho had left,
or in the possession of those who remained. Daniel Foot had re-
mained for some time after the settlers had generally left. A
British party sent out to obtain supplies, came upon him, seized
and drove off his* oxen, while he kept out of the way to avoid being
captured. Other similar depredations were made. Several other
persons remained in the different towns, without other molestation,
until the fall of 1778.

In the fall of that year, two British vessels came up the lake
with troops, designed it was said, to march upon Rutland ; but
being, in some way, thwarted in their purpose, the troops consisting
of Britisli, tories and Indians, were landed on both sides of the lake,
and spread themselves, in scouting parties, over the whole region,
where settlers had located themselves. They destroyed all the
buildings and other property they could find, and made prisoners

186 HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY.

of all the men, who had had the temerity to remain, and sent them
to Canada. In Middlebury, the whole population by this time had
retreated, and none were taken "prisoners. But all the buildings
in the town were destroyed, except the houses of Joshua Hyde,
Bill Thayer and Robert Torrance, in the same neighborhood, in the
south part of the town, to which probably their excursion did not
extend. The frame of a barn of Col. John Chipman, recently
built of green timber, which they could neither burn or chop
down, also escaped. It is still standing on tlie farm of Jonathan
Seeley, with marks of the hatchets on its timbers.

Judge Painter, although driven from his home, like the others,
did not immediately leave the State, but remained for a time to watch
the movements of the enemy, as well as of the New York claimants,
and to aid by his co-operation ;ind advice, in measures to th^vart the
purposes of both. He was acquainted with Ethan Allen, in Salis-
bury, the common residence of both, before either came into Ver-
mont, and was intimately associated with him, Scth Warner and
Remembrance Baker in their movements. He did not leave the
State, until the British forces under Burgoyne, had obtained such
extensive and dangerous control over all Western Vermont, that he
was forced for safety to cross the mountain by Onion River, and
went south on the east side of the State. AVhile living, he related
to his friends many anecdotes of his adventures ; but many of them
are forgotten, especially in their dates and details. He was inti-
mate with Hon. Horatio Seymour, in the later period of his life,
and freely communicated to him many of the events of his life. ]\Ir.
Seymour relates the following :

While the British were in possession of Crown Point, probably
in 1777, Judge Painter, in a feigned character, several times visited
that post as a spy, to ascertain the condition and plans of the Brit-
ish troops. The last time he went, he feigned the character of a
half idiot, and took with him a basket, with a little butter and a
few eggs, and other small articles to sell to the soldiers. He pre-
tended to belong to a family of poor settlers, who needed the pro-
ceeds of his articles for their support, as was indicated by his own
dress. The under officers had been charged to arrest every suspi-

niSTOUY OF MIDDLFBURY. 187

cious person, who appeared, and bring him before the commanding
officer. When Painter arrived at Cliimncy Point opposite the fort,
and had made known his wishes, he was put into a boat with some
British officers and soldiers, as he supposed, to go to the fort. When
he Avent on board, he threw himself down on the boat, and began to
examine his articles for sale, and talk Avith him.self about his treas-
ures, and to calculate the proceeds of his traffic. His articles were
kept in separate parcels, and, as he was soliloquizing, he said, this
butter is mother's, so many pounds ut such a price will bring so
much ; these eggs are sister Susey's, so many and I shall get so
much money for J^uscy. It is claimed only, that this is the char-
acter and purport of his words. Instead of going directly to the
fort, he soon discovered, that the boa^t was directed towards a vessel
lying in the lake, on which the superior officers were, and where
they were taking him for examination. IJe became alarmed. He
was then in the power of the enemy, and it would be easy for
them to prove that the history he had given of himself was false,
lijit he continued his soliloquy and feigned manners. After a time,
ofte of the officers watching him said to another. — '' This is a perfect
idiot, it is not best for us to take him up there. I should bo
ashamed to take such a fellow there." The other officer assented
to this view, and after a further consultation, they directed to change
the course of the boat for the fort. After goincr on shore, Painter
finished his traffic with the soldiers as soon as possible, and left them
Avith a determination never to put himself in so hazardous a position
again.

The following anecdote is recorded cliicfly because it illustrates
the character of Judge Painter, as well as that of the times, in
which he lived. Having occasion to go the south, — probably when
he attended the convention in Dorset, in July 1776, — he j^assed
through Clarendon. Here Avas located a nest of tories. As he Avas
draAving near he met tAvo or three men on horseback, Avhom he sus-
pected to be of that class. In order to avoid a suspicion of his own
character, he inquired of them, " Can you tell me where Esq. S —
lives?" as though he was his friend. This Esq. S — AAas the leader
of the tories. and liis house their place of rcndezA'Ous. The men

188 HISTORY 01- MIDDLLBUUY.

gave hira the information asked of them and he passed on unmo-
lested.

Judire Painter was a dcleo-ate 'from Middlcbury to a contention
of members from the west side of the mountain. The convention
was called by a circular sent to the several towns, to consider the
delicate and difficult position of the " Xew Hampshire Grants."
The congress of the United States had made their declaration of in-
dependence, and left the Grants without any government, except by
submission to the government of New York, to which that body
had advised, and to which the Green Mountain Boys made a deter-
mined opposition. The convention was held at Dorset, on the 24th
of July 1776, and adjourned to the 25th of September following.
At this time delegates were present from both sides of the mountain,
and it was " resolved to take measures, as soon as may be, to declare
the New Hampshire Grants a free and separate district.'' Judge
Painter was also a member of the convention, on the 2d of July
1777, which formed the constitution of the State.

In the revolutionary war, he '-held a captain's commission apd
served in the quartermaster's department." We have no details of
his service.

Col. John Chipman was also extensively engaged in the war of
the revolution. We copy the following summary of his services
from a paper left by him in his own hand writing, and preserved by
his daughter, Mrs. Loomis.

" I turned out the commencement of the war, as a volunteer with
Colonel Ethan Allen, in the spring of 1775, to take Ticonderoga
and Crown Point. In May or June I received a second lieutenant's
commission in Capt. Grant's company. Colonel Seth Warner's regi-
ment, went into Canada, was at the taking of St. Johns and Mon-
treal ; was discharged at Montreal, and returned home the first part
of December. In the summer of 1776, I received a first lieuten-
ant's commission, in Capt. Smith's company, Seth Warner's regi-
ment, and joined the army at Ticonderoga, in March 1777. I was
in the jetreat with the army, and was in the battle of Hubbard ton.
I was also in the battle of Bennington so called, on the 16th of
August of that year, and was at Saratoga at the taking of Bur-

lUSTOllV OF .MIDLLEiiUnr. 189

goyne in October. Wc were ordered to Fort Edward and Fort
George in 1778 and 1779. I was promoted to a captain, and served
in that capacity until October 1780, when I Avas taken prisoner, at
Fort George. I remained in this situation until the summer of
1781, when I was exchanged and remained a supernumerary until
the close of the war."

Col. Chipman had the command of Fort Edward and Fort George
successively, and was in command of the latter, at the time of the
capture of the garrison. Xot suspecting the encmj^ was in the
neighborhood, he had sent out a largo portion of his troops, on
scouting parties, which left him a force of only sixty or seventy men.
In this condition he found himself surrounded by an overwhelming
force and the garrison wis forced to surrender. After he was ex-
changed in 1781 he was raised to the rank of major. While he was
ill the command of these forts, in a comparatively settled state, Mrs.
Chipman remained with him. After the close of the Avar, Col.
Chipman retained in his possession the orderly book, containing a
a record of general orders, court martials and other proceedings of
the garrison, and when he was appointed clerk of the proprietors,
the book, not being filled up, was used by him for the record of
surveys. After his death, Mrs. Loomis, understanding the fact,
procured that part containing the proprietors' records to be taken out
and re-bound, leaving the orderly book by itself, which she still
retains. This she kindly showed us, and we regret that we had
not time more thoroughly to examine it. Among the records was
an order for a court-martial, signed by Col. Yfarner, supposed to be
in his own hand-writing.

190 IIISTOUY Ll' Mlhl'lEiitlXi.

CHAPTER V.

PwETURN OF SETTLEK3 — 'SMALLEY — TIIAYEP. — JONA. CIIIPMAN —
TORRANCE — COL. CEIIPMAN — FOOT FAMILY.

Afteh the war had closed in 1783, the foricer settlers gradually
returned to their possessions in' Middlebury. Benjamin Smallej,
Bill Thayer and Jonathan Chipman returned with their families in
April of that year, and took possession of the lands they had left.
Joshua Hyde came also himself, and labored that season on the
land he had before occupied, leaving his family in Salisbury until
the following; vear, and during? the time boarded in the family of
of Bill Thayer. Daniel Foot came also with his sons Philip,
Freeman, Martin, Stillman and John, leaving his wife behind until
the next year.

In the year 1784, Gamaliel Painter, John Chipman and Robert
Torrance returned with their families and resumed possession of the
lands, from which they had fled at the commencement of the war.

Bill Thayer continued his possession of that part of the Slasson
pitch on which he had before settled, and occupied that and home
lot 34, adjoining it, as his farm until 1703, when he sold it to Eber
Evarts. About that time he removed to New Haven and settled
on a farm on New Haven River.

Jonathan Chipman continued on the farm on which he first
settled until January 1790, when he sold it to Col. Chipman and
left town.

Benjamin Smalicy, on his two hundred acre pitch, which he still
occupied as his home farm, soca replaced his log cabin with a
comfortable frame house. His first wife, Martha Smalley, died in
Septeabsr 1792. and hs w^is afterwards mirried to widow Storv,

HISTORY OF MIDDLEDCitY, 191

SO celebrated in history and romance, the early death of Avhose
husband had left her to contend with the perils of the wilderness
and war alone. She survived her new husband and was afterwards
married, in the old a^^e of both, to Capt. Stephen Goodrich, Mr.
Smalley, in 1792 deeded to his son Iniri .a part of his farm, includ-
ing his house and other buildings, and in 1794 the remainder to
his son Alfred Sraallcv. The father continued to reside with his
^':)n Imri until his death, which occurred in 180,7, at the age of
82 years. His son continued to occupy the premises for several
years and then removed to the west. \Villiam Huntington suc-
ceeded him. and he was succeeded by Michael Sanders. The farm
is now owned by Michael Ryan, a son-in-law of jNlr. Sanders. In
1803 the share of Alfred Smalley was purchased by Peter Foster,
a respectable citizen and active christain. who resided on- it in a
one story house until his death. He died of the prevailing epidemic
in December 1812, at the age of fifty-one years. His son, Col.
Nathaniel Foster, succeeded him in the possession for several years.
]\Ir. Sanders afterwards owning this lot, built the present large
two story house. It is now owned by Gen. Nash, of New Haven.

Eobert Torrance renewed his residence on home lot No.

i>0.

where he had made a beginning before the war. Here he built the
brick house, which is still standing, which he continued to occupy
until his death in 1816, at the age of eighty. liis daughters,
Olive and Molly, and his grand son, Orleans Torrance continued the
possession. The daughters have loth died, Olive in 1850, at the
age of 84, and Molly May 13, 1857, aged 76, and the grand son
alone remains. The northern of his three lots was set off to his
son Silas Torrance, and had not been cleared until about the year
1828, when Noah Stearns commenced a clearing and settlement oa
the west half, and Justus liier on the east half. The whole is now
owned by Chester Fcnn, or his son James Fenn, both of whom
reside on it. Of the return of }ilr, Torrance and other reminis-
cences of his daughter Olive, we continue her statement made to
Mr. Battell. At the time of their return she was the eldest of
the children. They drove from Salisbury seven cows and ten sheep.
They camo in a sleigh and were six days in making the journey,

192 HISTOKY 0? MIDDLEEURY,

Stopping one at Richinond. At Pittsford they took the creek,
jind reached home at night.

Miss Torrance was now old enough intelligently to witness and
appreciate the commencement of society in a new world. Other
iUrnilies had returned, and the settlers began to enjoy that Arcadian
period in their history, when they have an abundance and all are
upon the same level, and constitute one family. Religious services
Avcre held on the Sabbath at Jonathan Chipman's, and Mr. Chip-
man and Benjamin Smalley made the prayers, and Col. John
Chipman read the sermon. j\Ir. Collins was the first preacher, and
after him a Mr. Bliss.

In the time of harvest, all the neighbors united and assisted each
other in the labor of getting it in. They met at the place appointed,
and the women came with them. While the men were employed
in the field, gathering the crops, the women were engaged in pre-
X^aring the feast for dinner, and spreading it out on the long board
table, around which men and women gathered to satisfy their
appetites from its abundance, vvhen they all departed without
spending the evening. They had no spirits in their harvests, but
used beer. And Miss Torrance says, " we had a quiet township of
people till Jabez Rogers built his still house." After awhile the
gaieties of the new country commenced, and at the balls, which
Avere occasionally held, the young people, from the . whole region
around, were collected, especially in Court time.

Miss Torrance, at the time of this communication, had in her
possession, the first table made in town of the description above
mentioned. It was made for Miss Melissa Stevens, daughter of
Capt. Stevens, then about to be married. When she removed from
town, Mr. Torrance bought it and left it to her.

The mother of Miss Torrance died in 1798, and her father in
1816. At the time of this communication the two daughters and
grand son constituted the family and occupied the homestead.
The farm consisted originally of three hundred acres; but part
having been set off to the sons, only 140 acres remained. The land
Miss Torrance says, is good, but an orchard never succeeded on it.
She and her.sister Rhoda spun thirty-nine runs of yarn at eight

iiisTOiiY OF middl::lury. 198

pence a run, and bought thirty-nine apple trees at the same price,
but only one of them lived. Iler father said the land would never
bear an orchard, on this intervale. They had, she said, enough
and wanted no more to take care of.

^Ir. Torrance was a worthy and honest man, was out in various
capacities in the French war, and it is supposed, with the Green
Mountain Boys under Ethan Allen. They were probably
acquainted before they came to this country, for they were special
friends in after life, and had exchanged guns and powder flasks.
"The former," Mr. Battell says. "I saw, which the good ladies
preserve with religious care — a long duck piece, hanging up loaded
in a spirit not unworthy of a token of the hero of the Grants."

Joshua Hyde having purchased of James Owen his fifty acres on
the Slasson pitch, lying west of and adjoining home lots 35 and 36,
which he also owned, settled on these a year or two after the war,
and occupied them as his home farm. On the k^lasson pitch, he
built the two story house still standing, and resided in it until his
death, which took place in the year 1828, at the age of seventy-
eight. After his death, his son Joshua Hyde, Jun., who had
always resided with him, continued in possession until his death in
1848, at the age of seventy-five. After that event, Luman Hyde,
his son, continued in possession until recently he sold it to Hiram
Sessions, who has now the possession.

Oliver Hyde, another son of Joshua Hyde, Jun., about the year
1831, received a deed of one hundred acres of the Skeel pitch, and
for the accommodation of his residence, purchased of Mr. Chara-
plin a small piece from home lot 38, on the east side of the road
opposite his farm, and built there a house, in which he resided until
within a short time he has sold his farm to his brother Luman, who
is now in possession of it. It was on this lot, that Joshua Hyde,
senior, first settled in 1774, and the foundation of his house is still
to be seen there.

Joshua Hyde, senior, was one of the most prominent and useful
citizens in Middlebury. While he was in active life, and even until
an advanced age, no man occupied so often the ofiice of selectman
and other places of trust in the town ; and no man better understood

194 niBTUllY or MiDDLi.Efr.T.

the prudential and financial interests of the town, or more fa '.th full j
and economically managed them, lie was, fur several years, elected
a representative in the legislature.

Simeon Chandler, after the war, resumed his possession of home
lots 37 and 38, on which he had before settled, and continued to
reside on this farm, until he sold to Joshua Ilvde in 1798 the west
end of both lots, and removed to the north part of the State. Mr.
Hyde gave this land to Paul Champlin, Esq., who married his
daughter. Mr. Champlin continued to occupy it until his death,
which took place in 1853, at the ago of seventy- nine. It is still
the residence of his widow, to v.hom v.e are indebted for several
facts relating to the early settlement.

Col. John Chipman, after his return, went to work in earnest for
the improvement of his farm, and soon his fertile fields were cleared
and produced an abundance of the comforts and even luxuries of
life. He built on the ground, where his first cabin stood, a hand-
some brick house, in which he resided with his family many years.
His house was opened for the entertainment of travellers coming
into the country, and being four or five miles distant, was often the
resort of parties from the village at the falls. The smooth road on
tlie bank of the creek, lined on both sides with forest trees and
shrubs, and the hospitable dwelling and inmates at the end, rendered
it a favorite ride, especially for the young, and was, not inappropri-
ately, called '•Love Lane."

Col. Chipman was a prompt, active and efficient man, of com-
manding person and address, Avith talents and manners, which pecu-
liarly fitted him for an executive officer. He was elected sheriff of
the County for twelve years, from 1789 to 1801. He was also
much of the tin]e moderator of town meetings, and selectman and
held other offices of trust in town. He continued in possession of
his farm, until the marriage of his daughter, Mary ( hipman, vrho
had been the light and life of his dwelling, to Horace Loomis. Esq.,
of Burlington, in 1805, and the death ol his wife in 1810, at the
age of fifty-eight, left him alone. Li his advanced age, he made
his home in the family of Freedom Loomis and his son George C.
Loomis, in the neighborhood of hi3 farm. He died in 1829 at tho age

I

illSrOill' Or illDDMiCUliY. 195

of eighty-four years "j ho f.irm was afterwards purchased by "William
Y. Kipley, Esij. While in his possession, the brick house built by
Col. Chipmaa was burnt, and he erected the present handsome house,
with its appendages. Mr. Ripley afterwards removed to Rutland,
where be still resides: It is now occupied by Mr. Jonathan Seeley.
Mrs. Julia C. R. Dorr, daughter of Mr. Ripley, has made this res-
idence and neighborhood the scene of her well written novel,
" Farmingdalo."

Col. Chipman's fiimily was connected Avith several others, which
arc more or less noticed in our historj ; some account of which wo
propose to place together here to save the necessity of a more distinct
notice elsewhere. Col. ( hipman's father was John Chipman, wlio
was a brother of Thomas Chipman an original proprietor, of Jona-
than Chipman an early settler, and of Samuel Chipman, the father
of lion. Daniel Chipman. Col. Chipman's father died early, leav-
ing two sons, John and Thomas and thi-ee daughters, Mrs. Vic-
toria Painter, first wife of Judge Painter, Mrs. Swetland mother of
William Swetland. Esq. of Plattsburgh, and Mrs. jMary Yanduzer,
wife of Abraham Yanduzer. Thomas Chipm.an, brother of John,
in 17i^-i, settled on a 100 acre pitch of his brother, directly south
of the latter's farm. lie continued to occupy this farm until 1815,
when he sold it and moved out of the State. It is now owned b}--
Locklin "Wainwright. The former two story house built by Chip-
man was burnt, and has been re-built by Mr. Wainwright.

After the death of his father, Col. Chipman's mother was married
to Samuel Keep, one of the original proprietors, and their first
clerk. They had two daughters, Eunice, who kept the first school
in Middlebury, and Hannah. The former was first married to a
Mr. Marvin, and, after his death, to John Sm.ith Esq. of Leicester,
in this County, Hannah became the wife of Moses Sheldon of
Salisbury, Conn., who lived for some time and died in Salisbury in
this County. They were the parents of Samuel Sheldon and Oscar
Sheldon of that place, of i\Irs. Case, wife of Loyal Case Esq , of
Mrs. Johnson, widow of the late Austin Johnson, who has recently
died, February 18, 1859, aged 65, and of his former wife and of
the- wife of Swnuol Crook,

196 lUSTOllY or .Mli)l)LEi:lKY.

Samuel Keep lived for a time at Wliitehall. and was residing at
Crown Point, with his family, when Burgoyne's invasion drove
them from their home. In their old age, Mrs. Keep resided with
her daughter, ^Irs. Yanduzer until her death, and her husband
with his daughter, Mrs. Smith, in Leicester. He died in 1802 at
the ajxe of 84, and his wife in 1804 at the same age.

In November 1772, Col. Chipman was married to Sarah Wash-
burn, daughter of Abisha Washburn of Salisbury, Conn., of whom
notice will be given hereafter. Besides Mrs. Loomis, before men-
tioned, ?ilrs. Sally Rogers, wife of Jabez Rogers Jr., was a daughter
of this marriage, and died in 18-39, aged G4 years. Washburn's
other daughters were married as follows: Mercy to Lemuel Bradley,
lather of Harry Bradley, John Bradley and INIiss Bradley of Bur-
lington, Hannah to Abraham Bethrong and Olive to Freedom
Loomis. The last two were settled in Middlebury.

Eber Evarts, on his return after the Avar, resumed his possession
of the farm on the north line of Salisbury. On this he resided
until he purchased as before mentioned, a part of the Slasson pitch
and home lot No. 34. He then sold his farm to Joel Boardman,
who still resides on it, and moved to his ncAV purchase. He built
the house still standing on the Slasson lot, and resided in it until
his death in 1838, at the age of eighty-five. His widow survived
him and died in 1841, at the age of eighty-five. Abner Everts, son
of Eber, resided with his father, and after his death occupied the
farm, and until lately resided in the same house. Recently he has
resided with his son-in-laAv, Frederic Lcland, who has built a house
near the east end of 34, in the village of East Middlebury.

John Hinman, after his return^ entered into possession of the lot
on which he had before settled, and continued for a time and sold it
to Moses Hale of Rutland. Hale occupied it until about 1797,
when he deeded the south half to his son Moses Hale, Jun., and
the north half to his son Hial Hale. William Carr, Jun., now
owns the south half deeded to Moses Hale Jun., and Zuar Barrows
in part Hial Hale's lot.

While the parties were absent during the war, Eleazer Slasson
deeded the balance of his two hundred acre pitch to Col. George

nisior.Y oi- xii>i>LEBur.Y. 197

Sloan, a son-in-law of Daniel Foot. Sloan, in the spring of 1784,
came to MiJdlebuiy, and took possession of the land, uhere Slasson
had begun his settlement, and dbcupicd it until the fall of 1703,
Avhen he sold it to Abraham Vanduzer, and removed to the village.
Samuel Bentley did not return to Middleburj, but during the
war Benjamin llisley had purchased the Avhoie of his two hundred
acre pitch, on Vrhich Bentley had settled, and in 1784 came toMid-
dlebury, and went into possession of his purchase. He remained in
possession just long enough to be appointed moderator of the first
town meeting, and in April sold his farm to Asa Fuller, of Rutland,
Vrho soon after deeded the north half to his brother Elisha Fuller.

The sons of Daniel Foot, who returned wilh him in 17£3
brought Vr'ith them a considerable number of cattle, and remained
throufj;h the succeedino; winter to take care of them, and make
some further preparations for the family. As they had no hay, or
much other fodder, they undertook to winter the cattle on browse.
For this purpose they had, during the winter, cut over a considerable
tract covered Avith maple trees ; and in the spring they drove their
cattle to the swamps for feed. But the cattle became much
emaciated and many of them died. But the ground, which they
had cut over in the winter, after the brush was burnt, looked
so promising that Mr. Foot proposed to plant it with corn, and went
to Castleton for the seed. On the 10th of June, they planted
their corn among the fallen trees, and had an abundant crop of
such rapid growth, that by the 10th of August, the ears Avere fit
for roasting.

Mr. Foot, after the war removed his residence to the southeast
corner of No. 6, of the second hundred acre division. He first
built a small house south of the large one, which he afterwards
built. Previous to the year 1790, he built a large barn, designed
for the accommodation of religious and town meetings, and about
the year 1793, he built his large house still further north, and
lived in it with his family while he remained in town. The dwell-
ing house of his grand son, Allen Foot, constitutes a part only of
that house.

Daniel Foot, as before intimated, had purchased large tracts of

198 HISTOllY OF MIDI»LEBURY.

land in Middlebuiy, and it is said that lie ovrned more than a
thousand acres before the "war. At an early day he deeded to each
of his sons, and his daughter, the'wife of Enoch Dewey, one or
more tracts of land, and in 1801, made a disposition of the
remainder and started for Canton, in the State of New York,
having a passion for new countries. No roads had then been
opened to that place from this direction, so that he went by Lake
Champlain and the St. Lawrence River, and only just reached his
destination when he died. He was a very enterprising man, and
perhaps somewhat restless, as was evinced by his former life. The
following, copied from "The Foot family, or the descendants of
JSTathaniel Foot," furnishes some facts of his history and some
traits of his character.

"■ Daniel Foot, born in Simsbury, Conn., xVpril 27, 1724, and
son of Daniel Foot, of that town, vrcll sustained some of the
remarkable traits in the character of the Foot family.- — indomitable
perseverance and a strong propensity to pioneer life. He removed
from Simsbury about the year 1764, and located himself in what
was once called Hartwood, now V\ ashington, Massachusetts, cleared
away the forests and made a farm. From thence he removed to
Dalton, in the same State, at the foot of Daltoh Mountain, pur- .
chased a tract of land and brought into cultivation a valuable farm.
This farm he subsequently sold to his eldest son, and removed to
Middlebury, Ver., where he purchased some five or six hundred
acres of wild land, on which he built mills, felled the forests and
resided for many years. At the age of eighty, having previously
lost his wife, Mr. Foot distributed his property at Middlebury
among his children, and about the year 1801, set out to make a
a new settlement in Canton, in the County of St. Lawrence, State
of NeAv York, then a wilderness, whither his son Stillman had
removed a short time previous. On his way there through Mon-
treal, he took the small pox, of which he died a few days after his
arrival in Canton. He was a man of great industry and energy,
and peculiarly fitted for a pioneer in a new country. He could
never be contented on a well cultivated farm. There must be
forests to subdue, and new dwellings to erect, or it was no place

IIISTjUY of MIDDLF.BURY. 19^

for him ; and at last he died in the woods, and for lack of boards
for a coffin was laid in bark from an elm tree."

Mr. Eoot had purchased in jNliddlcbury, probably twice the
amount of land mentioned in the quotation, and principally in the
neighborhood where he settled. lie had set his heart upon making
the handsome tract between his residence and that of his son Philip
Foot the centre of business for the town, and the location for the
meeting house. It was near the centre and the " tovai plat,"
located by the Committee was regarded as unsuitable. A large
number of second hundred acre lots met here and were bounded
on the west end of the home lots. The town and religious meetings
were held here for many years, while the town was settling. But
after the village, at the falls, had increased in its population and
business, intimations were given of the claims of the village to bo
made the centre ; and soon their strength became sufficient to
control the majority, and the matter was settled against the claims
of Mr. Foot and his neighbors. In this controversy Mr. Foot
evinced, as in all his other enterprises, his constitutional energy
and decision. But amidst it all he was regarded as a conscientious
and respectable man. The enterprizc and energy of the Foot
family were of great service in the settlement and organization of
the town.

Philip Foot, elddfet son of Daniel Foot, having been married
during the war returned to the farm, where he had commenced
a clearing; before the Avar, and continued to cultivate it as his home
farm until his death. He built on the northwest corner of No. 7,
the two-story house now standing, and resided in it during his life.
He died in 1827 at the age of 75 j^ears. The house and a part of
the farm belonged to the estate of E. W. Lyons, and has been
recently purchased by Mr. Eli Parker, a mechanic from the
village. William Foot, a son of Philip also owns a part, and lives
in a house just south of the other.

Martin Foot, another son, early settled on home lots 65 and 66,
received from his father. As early as the year 1786, he put up a
plank house, in which, with some additions, he lived until his death.
He died in 1854, at the age of ninety-two. He had before his

200 i;iSTo:.T of siidllebury,

death deeded a part of Lis farm to his son Deax;oii Martin N. Foot,
' Avho built the two-storj house in which he lived and died. It is
now occupied bj his son-in-law Joseph W. Boycc. The house and
farm, left by Martin Foot, is owned bj Marquis L. Branch, son
of his last wife.

Freeman Foot, another son of Daniel Foot, was in possession of
the south half of Hyde's 200 acre pitch, as early as 1785 ; and
made some additions, which extended his farm to the creek. In
1786 he built a house just north of the village,, near the cellar,
built by Ep. Miller^ which for several years remained uncovered,
and on which Oliver Severance has built a dwelling house. In
1788 he was married to Silence Clark, and took possession of his
house, and continued to cultivate his farm until the year 1801.
In the fall of that year he sold his farm, except such parts as he
had sold for village lots, to Daniel Chipman ; and in the following-
winter or spring removed to the farm v/liich his father had recently
left. On this farru he resided until the time of his death, which
took place in 1842, at the age of eighty-three ; and the farm has
since been owned by his son Allen Foot. At the time of his
purchase above mentioned, Mr. Chipman deeded to Ep. Miller, that
part of the land which lies w"est of the paper mill road, and to
Samuel Mattocks that which lies between that and the New Haven
road. The large meadow purchased by Mattocks was owned until
recently by Gen. Nash, who has now sold it in parcels to Oliver
Severance and three others who have built houses on it.

In the distribution of his lands, by Freeman Foot, among his
children in his life time, he gave to Alfred Wainwright, who had
married two of his daughters, home lot 59, and No. 6, of the sec-
ond hundred acre division. Tlie former is now owned by John W.
Halladay, and the latter by Timothy Boardman, Jun.

Freeman Foot, about the same time, deeded to his son Clark
Foot, with other lands, five or six acres at the corner of the roads
on home lot 60, on which the latter built the present house, in
which he resided for several years, and afterwards removed to the
village, and since to Michigan. The house and lot are now owned
by Jonathan and George Smith.

HISTORY OF JVIIDDLBBUIiY. 201

Applcton Foot, youngest son of Daniel Foot, and father of Mrs.
Slade, widow of Hon. William Slade, remained on the premises,
and after his marrian;c lived in a small house south of his father's
residence, and received from his father a deed of a hundred acres
of his home farm. In 1792, he purchased of his brother John tho
lands and water privileges, Avhich the latter owned on the west side
of the falls, in exchange for the lands received from his father.
John went into possession of the premises left by Applcton, and
superintended the erection of his father's large house. Having
completed this object, he removed to New Haven, to the farm of
his father-in-law, Bill Thayer, of the whole of which he afterwards
became the owner. Here he remained until he removed to East
Middlebury inlSll.

Stillman Foot, another son of Daniel Foot and the two last men-
tioned, will be referred to elsewhere.

The widow of Enoch Dewey, who had begun a clearing before
the war, a daughter of Daniel Foot, came into tho country after the
war, and was married to Roger Nobles of New Haven, with whom
her children lived until they were of age. Tho land which their
father owned was divided between them, the dauo-liter takino; the
home lot, and Stillman, tlie son, No. 2, of the second hundred acre
division. The daughter was married to Jacob Fuller of New
Haven, and never took possession of her land, but it was sold and
is now divided between several owners. Nathan Carpenter's house
lot on which he resided in his life time, * is a part of it, Jonathan
Smith owns a part of the same lot, and Jesse Goodno owns and
occupies the remainder. Stillman Dewey, the son, after he arrived
at full age, in 1793, Avent into possession of his lot, and remained
there until his death in 1841. at the age of sixty-eight years. He
built the two story house in which he lived and died. The princi-
pal farm is now owned with considerable additions by his son Enocli
Dewey, who built another house on the premises, and a son of the
latter ; both of whom reside on the farm.

* Mr. Carpenter died April 10th, IB^jS, at the age of 69.

202 IIISTOKY OF IIIDLLEBI-RY.

CHAPTER Yl.

NEW SETTLERS — STl^PHEX GOODRICH — r>ODERT HUSTON — BUTTOLPIl

— KIRBY SUMNER PRESTON AND MUNGI RS — SELLICK DEACOX

SUMNER — 0LM3TEAD — VANDUZER — BARNET HAMMOND— CRAFT

• — LOOMIS.

William Hopkins, "wlio commenced a settlement before the -war,
on the south half of Oliver Evarts' 200 acre pitch east of the
village did not return, but sold his land to Captain Stephen
Goodrich, from Glastonbury, Conn. Capt. Goodrich, in the spring
of 1784, came on with his two sons, William a,nd Amos, and took
possession of his land. The sons remained and worked on the land
that season. The spring following the father returned with his
family. We have been able to obtain, through Mr. Battell, as
before mentioned, the story of Amos Goodrich, communicated in
his lifetime, of some incidents attending the settlement, which,
with some facts obtained otherwise, we here insert.

Amos Goodrich came from Glastenbury in 1784. His way was
by Pawlet, to Hubbardton, and across Huljbardton mountain
through Whiting to ISIiddlebury. Hop Johnson had the only
dwelling at the village, a sort of shanty on a small scale. He
kept a ferry across the creek near where the railroad bridge is.
His brother William was with him, and remained and became a
citizen of Middlebury. They passed to their lot at Dr. William
Bass's, and spent the summer in clearing upon it. The lot was
bought the fall before by his father at Manchester, when he was on
a journey to examine into his interest in the town of Richford, of
which he and other Glastenbury men were proprietors. He had
accompanied his father on this journey. William Hopkins had

lirSTUUY OF MIDL.LE^URY. £03

made an opening on the lot during the summer, and commenced a
cabin. When he and his brother came in 1784, Foot Avas on the
Foot street, Chipman and Painter -were beginning again in the south
west quarter of the town, but only Hop Johnson had a dwelling in
the village quarter, on the west bank of the creek, and a Washburn
a clearing where he was building a saw mill. They passed their
time agreeably in their solitary place. lie never was happier.
A few strips of bark on the roof above their bed protected them
from the rain, and a few slabs of bass-wood logs, set up about them,
kept off the wind. Provisions they brought, as they had occasion,
from Pawlet, where their father arranged for their supply of pork
and Hour, with a man who obtained them from Shaftsbury.

Amos Goodrich, soon after coming to town had occasion to go to
the falls^ and as the paths which he followed were circuitous, he
undertook to return by a straight course. The whole region around
the falls Avas a terribly dense hemlock forest. After traveling
some time he lost his way and found himself again on the bank of
the creek above the faWs. Following the creek down to the Falls,
he chose to return by the circuitous path, rather than venture
himself again in the pathless forest. While his brother was gono
to Pawlet for provisions, he had occasion to go again to the falls.
The eddy, as it is called, below the Falls, was filled with a compact,
immovable mass of flood-wood, which he walked over as on dry
land. At the foot of the falls he found an open place, with a
flat, white rock at the bottom of the water, covered with trout.
He returned to the house, took a hatchel tooth, bent it into a hook,
tied it to a tow string, and hooked up the fish by the gills, until he
had taken nine large trouts, weighing a pound and a half each,
when the remainder fled under the flood -wood. This fact is stated
to us by William F. Goodrich, son of Amos, as received from his
father.

The same spring, his father, Stephen Goodrich, came up on foot
from Glastonbury, the brothers meeting him at Pawlet, and the
whole party went to Richford to examine their lands there. They
were to meet a surveyor at Chimney Point, where they waited one
day, and went on to Burlington. Here again they were detained

20-i HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY.

waiting? for Ira Allen, who "was absent in Canada. At that time
there was but one log house in Burlington, ov.ned bj Capt. Bying-
ton, and at the falls only a mill and log house.

In 1785, other farms were commenced about them — Kirby on the
lot where he settled, Huston on the northeast, where Hammond
lives, Johnson on the east, on the lot where Deacon Matthews lives,
Parker on the lot south.* Freeman Foot owned within the village,
and built on the New Haven road, near Miller's cellar, perhaps not
until the next year. About this time Stillman Foot owned a saw
mill on the Vt'est side of the falls, and the first road was opened from
the mills to Foot street, and west into Cornwall.

Stephen Goodrich, his father, with his mother and sister, came on
in 1785j having a cart and oxen, five cows and five or six hogs.
The hogs followed the cart^ b'^^S under it at night, and vrere fed
with the milk, Avhich Avas not needed for the family. The son also
states, as having learned from his father, that after the family had
used what milk they wished, the remainder was put into the churn
on the cart, and the motion churned it ; antl thus the family, on
their way, were supplied Avith butter as well as milk. There were
no cattle near them for the first two summers ; the third, each of
the neighbors had a cow.

The brothers having met the family at Pittsford, they with the
cart, were put on board a raft and floated down the creek. The
creek became a favorite road in the summer and winter. A boat
was built early, Avhich ran weekly to Pittsford and back for pass-
engers and freight. The roads in general were paths only, the
bushes being cut away and the trees marked. Such was the road
by which the brothers came through Whiting, passing round the
swamp nearly into Shoreham. The road from No. 4. (Charleston,
N. H.,) to Ticonderoga, crossing the road they travelled, was of the
same character.

Hop Johnson's was the point sought by travelers for ]\Iiddlebury.

* The lot on which Joseph Parker settled, was a fifty acre lot, pitched by Judge
Painter, and lying east of his Washbui'n pitch, on the south side of the road opposite
Dr. Bass's. The eastern part of it belongs to the widow of Jonathan Wainwright,
as n part of lier dower- No residence was long continued on that lot.

I

lilSTOIlY ur iilJJDLEBUKY. 205

His accommodations were scanty. Old Mr. Blodget kept a tavern
in the part of Cornwall which is now in Middleburj, very conve-
nient for the travel on the ice, and much frequented.

The bridge over the creek at Middlebury Falls was built by
Stillman Foot, logs being laid as abutments, the layers jutting over
as they rose, till they extended, Mr. Goodrich thinks, over the
water,* leaving but seventy feet span to the trestle. This was
crossed by singlj string-pieces formed of pine trees, and these were
covered with poles. It rose about twelve feet above the water.
Goodrich, for his share, worked twelve days gratuitously.

The first grain ground,after the family came, Amos Goodrich took
to Salisbury. Col. Sawyer had just completed a mill on the falls
on Leicester River, at Salisbury A^illage, and before Foot's uiill
was finished here. He v^ent by the creek and Leicester River,
to v,'ithin half a mile of the mill, and carried the grain from there
on his back.

The first preaching, he says, was by an old gentleman, who
came on account of the service of Mr. Foot, a fine man, who read
some of his old sermons. Mr. Robbins, now Dr. Robbins of
Hartford, came on and was spoken to about settling, but his father
advised him, not yet. He Avas a young man, but "read off his
sermons pretty smart." Mr. John Barnet was settled for a time.
He was well liked, but left on account of some controversies in the
church, perhaps in connection with the difficulties with father Foot.

Mr. Goodrich says they had occasional adventures with the bears,
which were troublesome, and ate the corn. The little dog, he says,
treed a bear and cub, at one time, on Buttolph's land. Buttolph
and his boy and Robert Huston and others came out, but the party-
had but one gun between them. This Goodrich fired and wounded
the bear. She ran to another tree, a pine, going high up and
resting upon a stub. lie then shot so directly under her from
below, that she fell nearly upon him, and he dispatched her with a
club. Buttolph then shot the cub in the face, so that it fell, and
Goodrich seized it by the neck and hind legs, swung its head

* In this Mr. Goodrich was mistaken, or Mr. Kattell misunderstood Iiioi.
The logs 'jirhich formed the abutment did not ext^ind over the water.

10

20G HISTORY OF MIDDLED URT.

against the tree and killed it. At another time Kirby found a bear
near his house. The dog treed it. John Kirby and Hollister were
along. It saw them and sprang down, but the dog pressed it back,
and was carried up the tree, hanging to the haunches of the bear,
by its mouth. The bear was shot, and both fell together, twenty-
five or thirty feet.

Mr. Goodrich, when this communication was made, said he had
voted for every representative chosen in town, and for every
President from Washington down. Painter was the first represen-
tative, then Miller. It was said that the House preferred Miller,
who "talked out what he wanted. Painter was one of your long-
headed fellows, sly around, but would bring things about. Miller
Avould talk out. Painter would work out of doors and carry his
point.''

The father and brother of Mr. Goodrich were in the army. He
was excused on account of his stammering. His fiithcr was Lieu-
tenant in Chester's company at Bunker Hill, and had the same rank,
with the command of a company at Saratoga. The captain, on that
occasion, being young, and the soldiers refusing to obey him, was
displaced. He fought on three days without injury. This was his
last service in the militia. His commission at Bunker Hill was
from King George: after a few weeks he had one from Washington,*
which is still preserved.*

Stephen Goodrich and his son Amos continued to live on, and
cultivate, the farm on which he first settled until January 1800.
He had previously made an arrangement to exchange his land for
the farm on vrhicli Judge Painter first settled on the south line of
the town . Fifty acres on which his house stood he deeded to Dr.
William Bass, who had, two or three years before, then a young
man, commenced the practice of medicine here. That part of the

* Capt. GooDKiCH may have belonged to the regular army and had a commis-
sion as Lieutenant, from Washington, as his son supposed, •which has been lost or
scut to Vfashington to obtain his pension ; but the commission remaining among
his papers is signed by Jonathan Trumbull, governor of Connecticut, dated 20th
I\'! ay, 1780, after all hie c-ervice mentioned above, and contains his appointment as
" Captain of th? third coiupany of the alarm li-t, in the Gth regiment of the State."

HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURT. SOT

farm which lies between the road Icadins; to Edwin Hammond's and
the farm of Freeman Foot, he deeded to Daniel Chipman, lie
having about that time purchased the Foot farm ; and the remainder
Goodrich deeded to Painter. In January he removed to the Painter
farm and resided on it until his death in Sept. 1823, aged ninety-
three years. Amos continual to live with him, during his life, and
occupied the farm afterwards until his own death in 1854, at tlie
age of ninety. The farm is now occupied by "William F. Goodrich,
son of Amos.

William Goodrich, the other son of Stephen, about the year 1787,
settled on a second hundred acre lot, extending from Otter Creek
castwardly, where he built a small house and kept a tavern for
travelers on the creek, on the site of the cottage afterwards built
by Austin Johnson, Esq., and since occupied by his widow. In
the year 1791 Goodrich purchased the west half of the second
hundred acre division on the minister's right, now owned by Jacob
W. Conroe, east of Dr. Bass's, on the opposite side of the road,
built him a small house and lived there a few years. In that year
his wife opened, at her house, or in a small school-house, on the
opposite side of the road, built about that time, the first school for
children kept in the neighborhood of the village. Mr. Goodrich,
for several years afterwards occupied the mill house and tended the
saw mill of Judge Painter. After that he erected the brick house
now owned by the Episcopal Society, as a parsonage, where he
lived until his death. In the meantime he was chosen town clerk
annually from 1797 to 1812, except one year. He died in the
last mentioned year, of the epidemic, at the age of fifty- seven.

In 1785, Robert Huston from Voluntown, Conn., settled on the
north half of the Oliver Evarts' pitch, about a mile northeast of
the village. Evarts, an original proprietor, in the controversy be-
tween the colonies and the mother country, adhered to the cause
of the latter. He had resided for a time in Castleton, Rutland
County. Like many others, he probably stood on neutral ground
until the invasion of Burgoyne, which produced a general panic,
and to the faint hearted a discouragement as to the prospect of the
colonics. He about that time went over to the enemy, and was

208 mSTuRY OF illDDI.l.BURy.

re5iding in Canada after the war. As usual, his land was promptly
confiscated bj the authorities of the State. On the'24th of August
1778, James Claghorn of Rutland, "commissioner for the sale of
confiscated estates, in the probate district of Rutland in the County
of Bennington,'' " in the name and behalf of the representatives
of the freemen of the State of Vermont," granted to Robert Hus-
ton the -^-hole of Evarts' hmd, including his pitch, except one hun-
dred acres before sold to William Hopldns, Avhich land "was the
property of Oliver Evarts, and now forfeit to this State hj his trea-
sonable conduct." Here Mr. Huston continued to reside until the
time of his death in 1827, at the age of seventy-seven. His son,
Robert Huston Jun., who had always resided v/ith him, continued
the possession for several years, and sold the farm and removed to
the west. It was until Utely the residence of Edwin Hammond,
Esq. It has now by an exchange, become the residence of the widow
of William S. Hammond. Robert Huston Senior, at the second town,
meeting in 1787, was chosen town clerk, and continued in that
ofiice until 1797. He was also the first postmaster, and held sev-
eral important trusts in town.

Ebenezer Johnson, from Wells, Rutland County, the same year,
went into possession of lot No. 10, of the second hundred acre'
division, which lies next north of No. 9, of the same division, about
a mile east of the village. Johnson continued his possession until
1794. It was afterAvards owned by Josiah Stowell, from Mansfield,
Conn., and was occupied from 1804 to 1812 jjy his son, Alfred
Stowell, who built the present house. At the latter date, Josiah
kftowell went into possession himself It is now owned and occupied
by Dea. Eli Mathews. Josiah Stowell also owned a part of No.
9, on which the house of Miilen Stowell, another son, stands.

Elijah Buttolph came into town as early as 1786, and perhaps
the year before. His son says, that, at the time, there were only
s:xLc;en families settled in town after the war. lie soon married the
widow of Joseph Plumley, who had taken possession of the farm,
on which her husband had commenced a settlement before the war.
lie occupied her fiirm until the daughter came of age, and had the
use of a part afterwards as the dower of his wife. Buttolph after-

IIISTOKY OF MIDDLEBUIiy. 1^09

wards purcliascd several pieces of land, and a small piece of tlio
Plumlej lot. on which he built his two story house, now owned by
his son Elijah Buttolph, next south of the Plumley farm. Elijah
Buttolph senior, died in the year 1835, aged ninety-four years.
The daughter of Joseph Plumley married John A. Sumner of New
Haven, and they sold her farm on her coming of age. It has since
been owned, successively by Billy Manning, who resided on it sev-
eral years, and by John Simmons Esq. It is now owned by Reu-
ben Wright.

Abraham Kirby from Litchfield, Gonn., father of Ephraim Kirby,
a distinguished politician of that State, moved with his family into
town in February 1786, and settled on a lot, which he had, on the
25th of March previous, pitched on the right of Rufus Marsh,
lying next south of a lot pitched on the same day for Joshua Hyde.
John S. Kirby, a son of Abraham, remained through the season of
1785, and cleared four or five acres and sowed it to wheat, on his
father's pitch. In the year 1700, Mr. Kirby purchased for hii
son Joseph, who had settled in Lanesborough, Mass., a lot lying
next south of his and next north of Moses Hale's farm. Ilis son,
in January 1792, moved on his family and took possession of "his
land. He and his father occupied together the house which the
latter had built, and which still remains on the farm. In the spring
of 1787, the year after his removal here, Mr. Kirby sent his son,
John S., to Pittsford, in company with some other men, to procure
apple trees, for the commencement of an orchard, which was the
second planted in town. They went up the creek in a canoe, and
on their return, ran into the rapids above the falls before they were
aware of it, and the current was so strong that they were unable
to run their canoe ashore, and were rapidly approaching the fiills
and expecting to be carried over and dashed to pieces on the rocks
below. As they passed under the bridge, which was then building
in the place where it now stands, Kirby caught hold of one of the
timbers, and clung to it and delayed the course of the canoe, until
some men, who were present, came to their relief and rescued them
from their impending death.

In January 1791, Mary Kirby, a daughter of Abraham Kirby,

210 HISTORY OF illDDLEBUP.Y.

•was married to Samuel Severance, son of Ebenezer Severance, an
early settler, -who Tvill be mentioned hereafter. After their
marriage they settled on Hyde's pitch, next north of Kirby's farm,
commenced a clearing, built a house and resided on it six years.
Afterwards Severance and John S. Kirby exchanged lands, and
Kirby took possession of Severance's farm, and lived on it until, at
an advanced age, he went to reside with his son in Ripton, v.'here
he remained until his death in 18-18, aged eighty-five years.

Abraham Kirby, the father, died in 1T9G at the age of sixty-
five years. After his death, his sons Joseph and John divided the
farm, of which he remained the owner, Joseph remaining in possession
of the homestead, until his death in 1831, at the age of sixty-three
years. The house and farm are now occupied, by his son Ephraim
Kirby, and the farm of John S. Kirby is owned and cultivated by
Alvin Ball. All this family were among the most respectable
citizens of the town and members of the Congregational Church.
Joseph was one of its earliest deacons.

In 1786 Benjamin Sumner, of Claremont, New Hampshire,
having a deed of the governor's right from Martha Wentworth,
daughter and heir of Governor Benning Wentworth, and her
husband, Michael Wentworth, Col. William B. Sumner, his son,
settled on that lot, cleared it up, and built the large house now
standing on it. He remained in possession of this farm until within
a few years he sold it to Jonathan Wainwright and went to the west
to reside with his daughter. For some years he kept a house of
public entertainment. Previous to his final sale, he had sold about
one hundred acres, which has been owned successively by Juba
Olmstead and Henry and Lucius Barrows, sons of Lucius Barrows,
and now by Charles H, Wicker. Col. Sumner also sold a small
tract, at the south end, which is owned by John A. Hummond.
The remainder of the lot was set off to the widow and heirs of
Jonathan Wainwright, and most of it is occupied by a tenant under
the widow.

Jonathan Preston, from New Canaan, N. Y., was the first who
commenced a settlement on Munger Street. In 1786, he Avent
into possession of home lot No. 42, cleared a piece and sowed it to

HISTOKY OF MIDDLKBURY. 211

wheat. The next spring he moved his family, built a log house on
his laud, and afteinvards the present frame house.

Mr. Asa Preston, his son, -vvho is still living, and was then a
member of the family, states that there was no clearing between his
father's and the village, except on tlie rising ground where Ilobert
Huston had just located himself, and where Edwin llummond has
since lived, and that, as far as this place they traveled wholly by
marked trees. From Huston's the trees were cut away for a road.
The path which they traveled through the woods was full of roots,
and, in many places, the mud was deep between the roots. Mr.
Preston says, that Mdiile riding through at one time on horse-
back, his horse stepped one of his feet between two birch roots, and
was held fast. He struggled to extricate himself, but could not
until Preston obtained a lever and pried the roots apart sufficiently
to let the horse's foot out. There was a sort of bridge across
IMuddy Branch, where they passed, made with poles placed length-
wise across the stream, and just wide enough for a single horse to
pass. As Mr. Preston was riding to mill with his grist on horse-
back, his horse^ on account of some defect in his limbs, traveled a
little sideways, and stepped one foot over the bridge and tumbled,
with rider and grist, into the stream. Preston picked himself up,
drew his bags out of the water and went on.

It was at that time all Avoods, Mr. Preston says, on the east
side of the falls, where the village now is, except a small clearing
about Painter's mill, and a small plank house where the miller
lived. On the west side of the creek, there Avas a saw mill
belonging to Stillman Foot. The house built by him was then
new, probably built the year before, and is the same, with additions
and alterations, in which Daniel Henshaw lived for many years.

Jonathan Preston continued to occupy the farm on which ho
first settled until his death in 1809, at the age of sixty-three years.
Since that event it has been owned and is still occupied by his son
Asa Preston.

Nathaniel Munger, and his son-in-law Nathan Case, from Nor-
folk, Conn., commenced a settlement on home lot 43, next south of
Preston's, in 178T. Case was a blacksmith, and ho and Mr.

212 HISTORY UF MIDDLEBUP.Y.

Muiiger had each a log house on the lot. !Mr. ^lur.ger boarded
with Mr. Preston in 1787, when he commenced clearing his farm.
He afterwards built the frame house in which Hiram Munger now
lives. After a few years Mr. Case moved to No. 12, in the east
tier of home lots, Avhere Dudley Munger had commenced a clearit>g ;
and Nathaniel i>Iunger continued to occupy and cultivate the farm
on which he first settled until the time of his death in 1830, at
the age of eighty years.

Edmund Munger, in 1783 or 1789, settled on lot No. 44, next
south of Nathaniel i\Ianger's, partly cleared it. and resided on it a
few years, and sold it to Alpheus Brooks, who occupied it until his
death, and it is noAV owned by Hiram IMunger.

Jonathan Munger, about the same time, commenced a settlement
on 41. next north of Preston's. It was afterwards, for many years,
owned and cultivated by Capt. David ( hittenden, and it is now
owned and in the possession of David Hooker. Edmund and
Jonathan Munger, as early as 1797, removed to Ohio, and on their
journey stopped at Cincinnati, when there were only four log
houses there.

Previous to 1792, Dudley Munger, a brother of the others of
that name, had made considerable improvements on No. 12, and in
that year sold it to Nathan Case, and removed to No 45, next
south of Edmund Munger, on which he settled. Phineas Phelps
had before made a beginning on that lot and built a. log house.
Munger soon after built the present two-story house and resided on
the lot until the death of his wife, when at an advanced age he
went to reside in the family of his only son Hiram Munger, Esq.,
on the Nathaniel Munger farm. The farm on which he lived is
now owned by Samuel N. Brooks.

Eeuben Munger, another brother, came to Middlebury about the
year 1789. His first settlement in Vermont was at Fair Haven.
He settled on No. 40, the north lot on the west tier of home lots.
He lived on this lot until his death in 1828, at the age of 72.

Seymour Sellick. from Salisbury Conn., settled on No. 46,
belonging to the right of Bethel Sellick, bis father, an original
proprietor. This lot lies south of and adjoining Dudley Munger's

UlSToUY Oi' .MlDULEliUllY. 213

farm, and Sellick was in possession of it before Munger Lad taken
possession of his. Munger about that time married Sellick's sister.
While they lived there, they each built a two story house, of the
same dimensions, only a few rods apart. Both were raised on the
same day, and both painted red. INIr. Sellick continued to culti-
vate his farm until his death. It has since been owned by different
persons, and among others by Dea. Salmon Moulton from Orwell,
who lived on it several years. While in his possession in 1834, the
house built by Sellick was burnt, and the present house was built
by him. It is now ov/ned by Chauncey Moore.

These seven families constituted the neighboi'hood of Munger
Street, came into town near the same time, and settled within an
average distance of fifty rods of each other, occupying the whole
land on both sides of the street, — their farms being fifty rods wide on
the road, and one mile in length, east and west. The five Mungers,
with Elizur Munger, who spent only one year in town, constituted
the six sons of Elizur Munger of Norfolk, Conn., and were among
the most respectable citizens of Middlebury, as were also IMr.
Preston and Mr. Sellick.

There has been, no permanent settlement on home lot No. 47,
next south of Seymour Sellick's. But Philip Foot, at an early
day, built a saw mill on the west end of the lot, which is now owned
by Nichols and Wheeler, and used in connection with their chair
factory. It has been owned, and the houses in the neighborhood,
occupied, at difterent times, by different individuals.

Abel Case, a brother of Nathan Case, at an early day settled on
home lot 48. He built the house now standing on it, and continued
his residence there until 1831, when he was thrown from his wag-
gon while returning home from the village in the evening, and de-
scending the hill north of Edwin Hammond's. When discovered
he was dead. His son-in-law, George Smith, now owns and lives
on the farm.

Daniel Sellick, a brother of Seymour Sellick, at an early day,

settled on the second hundred acre division on the right of his father.

Bethel Sellick, about a mile southerly from the village. He had

resided a year or two with bis brother Seymour, and in the mean-

11

214 HISTORY OF illDDLEBUKY.

time was married to Eleanor Gofffrom "Winchester, Conn., then rc-
sidinnj with her brother-in-law, Abel Case. He built a log house
on the lot then entirely new, cleared it and resided on it until he
died in January 1813, of the epidemic. His widow afterwards re-
sided with her son Bethel and a dauf^hter on the same farm, and
died October 27, 1856, aged ninety-seven years.

Mrs. Sellick in her life time stated that when they settled on
their farm, Judc^e Painter, Dr. Matthews. John Deminfr and Samuel
Miller resided in the village, — the last in a small office. The vil-
lage, she says, was not cleared except around the houses ; that a
road was then open from their house northerly, to the road which
passes Dr. Bass's, a little east of Mr. Conroe's barn ; but was open
no further south, except a wood road in winter, which was travelled
only on horseback in summer until the Centre Turnpike was built.
She states, that while she lived at Abel Case's, she, with Mr. Case
and others, in the winter, started on an ox sled through the Avoods
to attend meeting at Daniel Foot's. The sled, on the way, run over
the end of a log, and turned them over, and her arm was broken.
Religious meetings were then held in Daniel Foot's large barn.

As early as 1785, Hezekiah Wadsworth, a brother of Israel
Wadsworth, owned a second hundred acre lot, lying north of the
farm formerly owned by Dea. Simon Farr. He afterwards settled
on it, built a house and resided there for several years, and after-
wards resided on the Harris farm, on the west side of the creek,
then in Cornwall, now owned by Mr. Shackett. The Wadsworth
lot was afterwards owned by Samuel Miller, as a part of his home
farm. The house, which Wadsworth built, stood on the road men-
tioned by Mrs. Sellick ; and was afterwards moved by Mr. Miller
to the turnpike, a little south of the dwelling house lately owned
by Seymour J. Dewey, and now occupied by the widow of Gideon
Carpenter, who died November 22, 1858, aged 66 years. The
house has been known as Miller's farm house. The lot is now owned
by Gen. Nash, and the house by Louis Hope.

About the year 1790, Dea. Simon Farr settled on a farm lying
south of Wadsv^'orth's, and north of Daniel Sellick's, where he re-
sided for manv vcars. until ho removed to New Haven. The farm

HISTORY OF MIDDLE BURY. 215

had for many years, been owned by ]\Ir. Ro3\Tell Fitch, since deceased,
and is now owned by Augustus II. Matthews.

Martin Evarts, Esq., settled on home lot 64, lying next north of
Martin Foot's farm, as early as 1788, cleared it up and built the
two story house, in which he resided until the time of his death. It
is now owned by Gardner C. Cady, who resides on it.

Ebenezcr Severance, from Northfield, IMass., moved into town as
early as the spring of 1790, and settled on the west end of home
lot? 16 and 17. These he cleared and cultivated, as his home farm
until the time of his death in 1812, at the ago of seventy-three.
lie owned also the west half of 18 and 19, and the east half of 55
in the west tier of home lots, lying w^est of and adjoining No. 18.
By an arrangement between his son Samuel Severance, and his son-
in-law John S. Kirby, he deeded to the former the three lots last
mentioned, and Samuel Severance deeded to Kirby the lot on w^hich
he had commenced and resided, and took possession of the lands
received from his father. And, as before mentioned, John S.
Kirby took possession of the lot next north of his father, Abraham
Kirby, received from Severance.

Samuel Severance settled on the east end of 55, and cleared 18
and 19, which were entirely wild. Here he resided until 1851,
when he died at the age of eighty-six years. The farm is now
owned by his sons Smith Severance and Darius Severance, each of
whom has a house on the premises. The Avidow of Samuel Sever-
ance is a daughter^^of Abraham Kirby, as we have before intimated,
and is still living at the age of eighty-jBve, with a remarkable in-
telligence and memory for her age. From her we have derived
many facts in relation to the early settlement. !^ Y^-^-4. ' '-^'^^ \-Vi7

Enos Severance, another son of Ebenezer Severance, settled on* the
west end of home lots 14 and 15, next north of his father, built
the present house, now occupied by his widow, and remained until
his death in 1842, at an advanced age.

Moses Severance, another son, who came into town with his
father, after residing elsewhere for several years, returned to Middle-
bury with his family, and lived in the house with his father, and
took care of him in his old age, and remained in possession of the

216 HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURT,

farm until his death. The farm is now owned and cultivated hj
David E. Bojce, son of Dea. David Boyce.

John Tillotson, a young man from Long Island, came to "Middle-
bury in 178-1, with no capital but his hands, and an enterprising
disposition. The following year he married the daughter of Sim-
eon Chandler, then a resident, and for several years remained in the
family of his father-in-law. In the meantime he labored for dif-
ferent persons, and thus supported his family, and accumulated
property sufficient to enable him to buy land for himself. He first
began and built a log house on home lot No. 29. He soon moved
to No. 28, where Philo Achley had commenced a clearing and built
a plank house. On this lot he built the present house and adjoin-
ing buildings. Here he resided until October 1855, when he died
at the age of ninety-three. The farm has been recently sold by his
heirs to E. K. Severance, who now owns it.

About the time of John Tillotson's purchase, his brother Silas
Tillotson settled on No. 30, next south. He remained several years
in possession of this lot, and moved from town. The farm is now
owned by William P. Huntington.

Deacon Ebenezer Sumner, in 1787, settled on home lot 36 oppo-
site the house of Philip Foot, where he resided until his death.
The following is a part of the story of his widow as related to Mr,
Battell in 1850. when she was ninety-one years old. She died in
1853, at the age of ninety-four.

She was a native of Chatham, Conn., and her name was Hall.
Her husband was from Lliddletown, They were married in 1780,
and ten days after they accompanied his father to Wells, in Rutland
County. After remaining there seven years, the difficulty of main-
taining a religious organization, in so broken a town, led her hus-
band to remove. They came to Middlebury with their children,
and settled near the north end of Foot Street. Their log house
stood with the wood so darkening around it, that they could not see
the road on the left ; and seemed shut off from it, and it was at first
very gloomy. After mentioning the organization of the church,
she says, that there was subsequently much interest, with a part of

HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY. 217

the people, in religious things. The women and cliildren came to
meeting on sleds from Hunger Street, and old Mr. Weeks and wife
came six miles from Salisbury. Four or five professors, within two
miles, among whom was her husband, would meet once a fortnight,
at each other's houses for prayer and conversation. She does not
remember tlie names of the first preachers. Dr. Swift preached
two or three times a year before ]Mr. Barnet came. jMr. Barnet
was ordained in a barn ; Dr. INIcrrill in the Court House. Mr.
Barnet lived in her own neighborhood. One summer Mr. Foot did
not like to be troubled Avith the meetings, he said, and they were
held in her husband's barn.

The stake for the centre of the town was set south of them on
Foot Street ; but Mr. Foot would not set out fifty acres in lots, and
Judge Painter said they must go to the village. "When they did
this finally, father Foot left the church and joined the Baptists, and
was immersed in Lemon Fair. Mrs. Sumner thought him a good
man, but he was irritable and strong tempered. His wife was an
excellent woman. Her name was Stillman, and she had two sis-
ters in Middletown, one of whom was the mother of Mr. Daniel
Henshaw. Mrs. Foot used to tell of beina; here before the war.
The summer before they left, their beds were packed every morning
ready for a start. Mr. Foot finally left and staid in Washington,
Berkshire County.

Dr. W^illard was the first physician she saw here. The people
used to doctor one another. Hearing of the sickness of others, and
supposing some remedy would be useful, they communicated it.
Watchers went two miles and more. She remembered the dysen-
tery as an epidemic about forty years ago. A grave was opened in
town every day for four weeks, and on two Sundays of those, a man
and child were buried. She used formerly to visit Connecticut, at
least as often as once in five years, travelling by sleigh or waggon,
and sometimes on horseback. She had ridden, in this way, the
whole distance, going about forty miles a day.

Mr. Sumner was one of the first deacons in the congregational
church, and was regarded a« a very pious man, and a faithful sup-

218 HISTORY OF illDDLEBL'RY.

porter of religious institutions. His death occurred in August
1844, at the age of eightj-seven years.*

Elijah Olmstead of Bolton, Conn., in 1787 owned lots 11 and
12 of the second hundred acre division, lying east of the governor's
lot. These two lots belonged to Oliver Evarts, at the time his
property was confiscated for ' treasonable conduct."' and seem not
to have been discovered by the authorities of Vermont. Olmstead
settled on No. 12, cleared it, built the two story house still stand-
ing, and continued to occupy it for many years. In 1814 he sold
this farm to Col. Eleazer Claghorn, then residing in Salisbury, who
continued his possession of it until his death in 1813. at the age of
sixty-eight. It is now owned by Harry Goodrich Esq.

Lot No. 11 was purchased by Samuel Little, who, with his
brother, James Little, went into possession of it, cleared it, and
each built a plank or log house, one on the north part, where Mr.
Barrows' house stands, and the other on the south half. Eleazer
Barrows in 179G purchased the whole lot^ and resided on it with
his family until his death in 1840, at the age of seventy-one. In
the meantime he built the present two story house. Mr. Lucius
Barrows, his son, has occupied the farm since his death.

Abraham Vanduzer of Salisbury, Conn., came to Middlebury in
1789, with his eldest daughter and his son Harry Vanduzer, leav-
ing his family behind for about two years. For two or three years
he carried on the farm which Judge Painter left when he removed
to the village. His son remained through the winter to take care
of the cattle; and boarded at Capt. Thomas Chipman's, the nearest
resident family. In 1793, Vanduzer purchased of Col. Sloan the
south half of the Slasson pitch and settled on it. While livmg
there he built the small house, in which he resided at the time of

*Dea, Sumner at an early day deeded to his son, James Sumner, home lot 22.
In 1811 he began to clear it, then in an entirely wild state. On this lot he has
since resided with his fomily. Ilis son, J A. Sumner occupies with him the new
house recently built. Dea. Sumner also deeded to his son Samuel lot No. 20 who
cleared it and resided on it for several years, and afterwai-ds removed from town.
Charles Landon Jun., occupies the south half and Charles SuUens the north half.

HISTORY Oi- MIDJDLEBURY. 219

his death, which occurred in 1795, at the age of fiftj-three. lUs
widow survived him raanj years and resided in the same house.

Harry Vanduzer, son of Abraham, in 1794 began a clearing on
home lot 58, on the rl^lit of Noah Chittenden, the whole of which
his father previously owned, built a log cabin on it and resided
there with his family. In the meantime Samuel A^anduzer had
built the two story house now standing on the homestead of hi.s
father. In the year 180G, Harry, having purchased the interest of
Samuel in the premises, removed to that farm and resided on it
until the year 1825, when he removed to Oneida County, N. Y.,
where he died in 1829. Mrs. Dorrance, widow of Martin S. Dor-
rancc, is his daughter. The whole farm, on which Abraham Van-
duzer first settled, is now owned by the town, as a poor house and
fal-m.

John Vanduzer, another son of Abraham, settled on the second
liundred acre lot, on the right owned by his father, lying east of
and adjoining the Slasson pitch and north of the Loomis lot. He
cleared this farm and Ijuilt the present house which has since been
altered and repaired. He removed from the State in 1814, and
was succeeded by Capt. Timothy Matthews. The farm is now owned
by John Vallett, residing in the village.

Rev. John Barnet, Avho was ordained as the pastor of the Con-
gregational Society in 1790, and, as "the first settled minister,"'
was entitled to a whole right, instead of selecting either lot on that
right for a residence, settled on home lot 57, in the neighborhood,
which it was su:)posed would be established as the centre of the
town. On this lot he resided while he remained in town. This lot
and the lot south of it, on which Harry Vanduzer first settled, were
united in one farm by Dr. William Bass, and constituted the farm
lately owned by Jacob Vf. Conroe and now by Smith K. Seeley.

Cyrus Starkweather had commenced a settlement on the lot after-
wards occupied by Mr. Barnet. He then settled on the east half of
the second hundred acre lot on the minister's right, built a house
there and in 1793, sold the premises to John Doming.

Moses Boardman, about the year 1788, settled on No. 3 of the
second hundred acre division, and after residing on it for several

220 HISTORY OF MIDDLEBUKY.

years sold the farm to Ichabod Morton, who continued to occupy it
until his death, and in the meantime built the present two story
house. He died in 1826, at the age of sixty-four years.

Billy Munger, about the same time, settled on No. 1, east of Mo-
ses Boardman's, and adjoining the home lots. He cleared this lot,
built a house and resided on it until his death in 1822, at the age
of sixty-eight. This lot and the preceding were afterwards occupied
by Ichabod M. Cushman as his home farm, until the time of his
death, residing in the house built by Morton. The widow of Mr.
Cushman retains her dower in the farm, and the remainder is owned
by his son-in-laWj John Hacket, who resides with the widow on the
homesteads

Bethuel Goodrich, about the year 1790 settled and built a house
on No. 4, lying north of Boardman's lot, and resided on it until his
death in 1829 at the age of fifty- three years. The lot was after-
wards owned by Austin Johnson, Esq., and now belongs to his es-
tate.

Elnathan Hammond, from Lanesborough, Mass., in the year
179-1, settled on a lot of about forty acres next north of Lucius
Barrows' farm, on the Avest end of the second hundred acre division,
on the right of John Howe. This was a long lot about forty rods
wide, lying between the old and new line of New Haven. On this
he commenced a clearing and built a plank house. This whole lot
extended east a few rods over the Muddy Branch, and a small tract,
including the falls, at the east end has been appropriated as a mill
lot and is now owned, with the marble saw- mill and privileges, by
Isaac Gibbs. Ephraim Spaulding for many years, and until his
death owned and occupied the remainder as his home farm. It is
now owned by Horatio Goodrich.

Mr. Hammond remained at the place of his first settlement only
a year or two, and removed to that part of No. 13 next north of
Robert Huston's lot, which lies east of the road. Here he built a
house and resided with his family until the 10th of September 1856,
when he died at the age of ninety-five. His sons, William S. and
Edwin having grown up to maturity, have advantageously and prof-
itably improved the farm, and from year to year have added hai\t

niSTORY OF MIDDLEBUUY. . 221

among other tracts, the rcmiiiuder of the original lot, on which their
father settled, and the ■whole of the Robert Huston farm. Edwin
occupied the house on the latter, and William S.* in his lifetime re-
cently built him a new house oi^posite to the old homestead, Avhich
by an exchange with his widow is now occupied by Edwin. John
A. Hammond, another son, as elsewhere stated, resides on the south
east corner of the governor's right, and owns a part of that with
other lands.

Richard Hall from INIansficld Conn., purehased the lot on which
Mr. Hammond first settled, wath other adjoining lands in New Ha-
ven, and occupied them as his home farm until 1790, when he was
succeede<l by Dca. Samuel Craft. After Deacon Craft's sons, Pear]
Craft and William Craft arrived at mature age and ha/l families of
their ow», his father divided his farm between them; but they suc-
cessively sold their lands and removed to the west. While they
lived here, Deacon Craft and his son Pearl lived together in the old
plank house, which is now demolished, and William built the pres-
ent house for his residence. This house, v.ith the adjoining lands,
is owned by Almon Farnsworth.

Eleazer Conant from Mansfield, Conn., in 1794, purchased the
south half of the Bentley pitch and a part of the Risley pitch, and
went into possession of it with his family ; and the same year his
brother John Conant purchased of Elisha Fuller, and went into pos-
session of the north half of the Bendy lot. Eleazer Conant resi-
ded on his farm for many years, until his sons had grown up and
settled in the west, among -whom was Hon. Shubael Conant of De-
troit. Soon after in 1819 he and his Avife went to visit their child-
ren, and both died, while making their visit at the residence of their
son, Hon. Horatio Conant, at Maumee, Ohio. His farm is now
owned by different persons. The dwelling house and land above
the road belongs to the estate of John Simmons Esq.

John Conant continued on his farm until his death. It has since

'Willi.'iru S. Hammond died of a lung fever, after a short but distressing illnees,
on the 27 til May, 18j8, universally lamented. He was a deacon of the Congrega-
tional Chiirch, and as a man was universally respected and loved.

12

222 iiiSTonY OF middleburt.

been owned by Gen. Hastings Warren, and afterwards by William
y. Eipley, and now by Edward Muzzey.

Abisha Wasliburn, in 1793, received from his son-in-law John
Chipman, a deed of the farm on which Jonathan Chipman first set-
tled, and in 1796 deeded it to his son-in-law, Freedom Loomis, then
of Sunderland, on the condition of receiving for himself and wife,
during their lives, such sums as they might need for their support.
They continued to reside here together until the time of their re-
spective deaths. Mr. Washburn died in 1813, aged 91 years ; his
wife in 1815, aged 87, and Mr Loomis in 1822, at the age of 56.
George C. Loomis, son of Mr. Loomis, continued in possession of
the farm for several years. It is now owned by Smith K. Seeley.
The two story house built by Mr. Loomis was burnt in 1838 or 1839'j
and has not been rebuilt.

HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY. 223

CHAPTER VII.

JAMES CRAXE AND BR(i3:nER — GIDEON ABBEY — NATHAN CASE —
DARIUS TUPPER — DEA, BOYCE— EAST MIDDLEBURY VILLAGE —
INCIDENTS OF THE EARLY SETTLEMENTS — FAMINE.

James Crane was the first settler in the neighborhoocl, constitu-
ting the north part of the east tier of home lots. He and his broth-
er Jeremiah in 1T90, commenced on different parts of No. 11.
IJhat year they worked on their land and the next year removed their
families. The first year there was no family, on any road leading
to that neighborhood, nearer than Joshua Hyde's : and the brothers
went there to get their clothes washed. Jeremiah Crane continued
to cultivate his farm until his death, which took place many years
ago. After four or five years, James Crane removed fz'om his farm,
and it was afterwards owned successively by AValdo Carey and Elea-
zer Abbey, and is now owned by his son, Warren Abbey, When
he left this firm he settled on the east half of No. 8, with some ad-
joining lands. On this farm he resided until his death in 1845, at
about the age of eighty. The farm is now owned by Luther C.
Fales and Joseph Fales.

Nathan Case about the year 1792, settled on lot No. 12, on which
Dudley Mungel" had commenced. Here he built the present dwel-
ling-house and resided until his death, at an advanced age. Before
his death, his son Abel P. Case occupied a house, which had been
built on a part of the same farm, and continued the possession of
the whole form for several years, and moved to the west. The fiirm
has since been divided and is noAV owned severally by Sidney Mead,
Warren Abbey and D. W. Chittenden.

Home lot No. 51 was als3 owned by Nathan Case, and constitu-
ted a part of his home farm. Among other tenants. Major William

22i HISTORY OF MTDDLEBURT.

Cummings lived for a time on tlic lot. lie had been a scliool tcaeh-
or, and was poor and in feeble bealtli, and was troubled to obtain
food for his family. These circumstances occasioned a fatal depres-
sion, which, it was thought, disturbed his mental faculties, and led
him to commit suicide, by hanging himself on a tree near the house,
in December, 181T, at the age of 47. The lot is now owned and
oscupied by Isaac Lovett.

Elisha Sheldon, about the year 1790, made a beginning on No.
9, and in the year 179-i was succeeded by'Benjamin Maltbie, who
remained in possession until 1797, when he removed, Avith Jonathan
and Edmund Munger, to Ohio. At the last mentioned date, Gide-
on Abbey, of Mans Sold Conn, purchased and settled on this lot. lie
also had a perpetual lease of No. 10, on the right of the Society
for Propagating the Gospel, and continued to occupy both the lots
until his death at the age of 92 years. Mr. Abbey built, and while
he lived, resided in the present dwelling house on No. 9. Theoda-
tus Phelps now occupies the house and lot. Orin Abbey and Abel
Abbey, and perhaps other heirs, severally own parts of No. 10.

The east road passes from south to north through nearly the whole
length of the east tier of the home lots, and divides them into une-
qual parts. The different parts of the same lot have been severed
and added to parts of other lots, and all have frequently changed
owners. This renders it perplexing for us to ascertain, or the read-
er to understand correctly, the history of the settlement. And be-
ing more recently settled, and not properly included in the " early
settlements/' we feel bound not to trespass longer on the patience of
the reader, with these tiresome details, in the correctness of which
neither they nor we can have much confidence. We are therefore
obliged to abridge our materials as well as plan. This we regret
the more, as the territory is fast rising in importance, and in public
estimation.

We add only one or two cases in other parts of the town.

Darius T upper from Charlotte, where he first settled in this State,
in the winter of 1794-5, removed his family and settled on lot No.
23, a second hundred acre lot, lying south of home lot Q(y, then
owned by Martin Foot, and north of Slasson's pitch. Mr. Tupper

HISTORY OF MIDDLECURY. 'I'l

\Ll->

soon after built the present l:ir<^-e house, for many years kept a tav-
ern and remained in possession until his death, lie died in 1828,
at the age of 74. Amos Boardman had previously commence*! a
settlement on this lot. Previous to his death a house had been built
and occupied, on the opposite side of the road, by his son-in-law,
James Champlain. After his decease, the farm was divided among
his heirs, and that part lying east of the road, and a part of that on
the west side, was for some years owned by Edwin B. Douglass and
now by Ira B. Wicker. The remainder, with the large house, is
occupied by Silas Perkins, a son-in-law.

Deacon David Boyce in 1814 had taken a permanent lease of the
second hundred acre lot on the Glebe right, and owned thirty acres
on home lot 53, north of and adjoining his leased lot, settled on the
latter and built the brick house and other buildings now standing
there, cleared both lots and occupied them as his home farm until
his death. His widow and son Elijah S. Boycc now reside on the
farm.

VILLAGE OF EAiT MIDDLEBURY.

The west part of this village, as far east as Kneeland Olmstead's
dwelling house, is located principally on home lot 35. The build-
ings north of the road, leading from the school house to its junction
with that which leads from the Torrance place, are on lot 84, for-
merly owned by Eber Everts. That part of the village which lies
east of Kneeland Olmstead's is on the mill lot pitched by Joshua
Hyde. The village lies principally along the north border of Mid-
dlebury River, and extends east to the foot of the mountain, where
the river issues from a deep gorge.

The first application of the extensive water power at this place
■was the erection of a saw mill in 1790, by John Foot, on the south
side of the river. The year following Foot built a house for the
miller, which was occupied by the family of Nathan Carpenter, who
had charge of the mill, and was father of Nathan and Gideon Car-
penter. His was the first family which resided in East Middlebiiry.
Joshua Hyde and Eber Everts, who then owned the mill lot, deeded
to him one half of it, as • a consideration for his erecting the mill.
Hyde also soon after built a saw mill on the upper dam. Foot, at

226 IIISTOM' OF :\III)LLEBURY.

the time, resided on the west side of the falls, in Cormvall, and was
concerned in the mills there. In 1811. Foot moved from New Ha-
ven, as before mentioned, to the mill lot in East jSIiddleburj, rebuilt
the saw mill, and successively erected works for dressing cloth and
carding wool, a grist mill and the gambrel roof house, a few rods
south of Farr's tavern, in which he resided for several years.

Epaphras Jones, who had previously, in the name of the Ver-
mont Glass Factory Company, erected a large establishment for
manufacturing window glass, at Lake Dunmorc in Salisbury, wish-
ing to extend his operations, in the year 1812, erected in East Mid-
dlebury, a little west of Farr's hotel, a large circular brick build-
ing for the manufacture of glass ware. lie also built two dwelling
houses, near by and westerly for the accommodation of his workmen,
and another building for a store and office This establishment en-
couraged the hope, that the place, with its valuable water power,
would soon become a place of extensive business. This hope induced
Mr. Foot to build the large tavern house above mentioned. In this
he opened and, for several years, continued a house of public enter-
tainment, which is now occupied by Royal D. Farr. But Jones' es-
tablishment, because he did not succeed well in the manufacture of
glass, or for other reasons, broke up, and the brilliant prospects,
which it had induced, vanished with it. The anticipated growth of
the place vras checked, but not wholly stopped by this disaster. Mr.
Foot erected and repaired his works above mentioned, and rebuilt
his grist mill, and died in 1849 at the age of 84 years. Other es-
tablishments were successively erected, and the business and popula-
tion of the village has been gradually increasing, until the present
time. If there had been sufficient capital available, the increase
would have been much larger.

Mr. Daniel L. Sessions settled in the village in 1821, and by his
aid and that of Norman Tupper, Esq., we have been able to ascer-
tain some facts relating to the growth since that year and its popu-
lation and business at the present time. In 1821, there were ten
dwelling houses, and a somewhat larger number of families. At
this time the number of dwelling houses, in the compact part of the
village, is fifty. Some of the houses being occupied by more than

IIISTOriY OF .MIDDLEHURY. 22T

one family, the number of families is larger. David S. Chureh,
Esq., "who, as deputy. marshall, enumerated the inhabitants in Mid-
ulcbury in 1850, at our request, has ascertained the number of in-
habitants in that village to be four hundred and thirty, lie proba-
bly included some families, not embraced in the estimate of jNIcssrs.
Sessions and Tupper, but properly to be estimated^ as belonging to
the village.

There is also a neat church, o^yncd by the Universalists, two
stores, several mechanics and the folloAving Avater-works : At the
upper dam are a forge and saw mil], owned by Israel Davey. Next
below is the tannery, owned by Horace, son of Parley Enos, who
first established it many years ago, and a shop owned by David
Olmstead, with machinery for boring, sawing and turning timber
for waggons, which he manufactures. On the south side of the
river are a saw mill, belonging to the estate of Norman Boardman,
and a machine for sawing shingles, owned l)y George Champlin.
Still lower is a shop owned by Knceland and Waldo Olmstead, for
the manufacture of waggons, and machinery for fitting the timber
for them, supplied by water from the river by a tube. Next below
this is a grist mill owned by Norman Tupper Esq., built in 1850,
and below this a sash factory* owned by Almon P. Tupper, and a
factory for sawing and fitting barrel staves for the Boston market,
owned by E. Ilayward & Co. The three last mentioned works are
furnished with water conducted by a canal, without any dam across
the river.

The INIiddlebury River, at this place, furnishes a large amount of
water power, sufiicicnt to operate works to a much greater extent
than those now in operation. It is, like all mountain streams, very im-
petuous, rises suddenly and is liable, in high freshets, to break
through the barriers which confine it, and has occasionally done
mischief in the villao;e. The most considerable instance of this,

*This factory was established by Norman Tupper Esq . father of the present
owner, who in 1830 invented the necessary machinery for making the mortices and
manufacturing all other parts of window sash by water power; which is still in
operation

228 IIISTOllY OF MIDDLEDURY.

which we now call to mind, is the freshet of 1850. which we have
elsewhere mentioned.

Besides tlie very valuable water poAver, this village is otherwise
advantageously situated. The ground on which it stands is mostly
level, and is connected with a level region of considerable extent,
widening as it recedes fi'om the mountain. The soil, where most of
tlie village stands is gravelly, and the surrounding region is com-
posed of an alluvial or intervale soil of a very productive character.

INCIDENTS OF THE EARLY SETTLEMENT.

Every body has heard something of the hardships and privations
of a new settlement. But the experience of the present day gives
ho adequate impression of what such an adventure was in the days
of our predecessors. Now families may carry with them all the
comforts, and, if they wish, the luxuries of life, by steamboats, rail
roads and other open and comfortable roads, to the newest settle-
ments. And when they reach their destination, they find prairies
already cleared to their hand, and ready for the plough ; and, if
they have not all the required comforts, they have easy access to
them. But when Middlebury was settled, the people who came
here were poor, as the whole country was, and were forced to make
their way, as best they could, without roads and locate themselves
in a dense forest. This was to be cleared away, with wasting labor,
before they had room to plant their cabins, or fields for their first
crop. As to provisions and furniture, they could bring but few ar-
ticles, if they had them. Before the war and for several years
after, there were no mills nearer than Pittsford or Ticonderoga, and
there was no access to them, by roads passable with teams ; and
much of their grain for food was pounded in large wooden mortars
made for that purpose.

Many of the incidents of the early settlements are recorded in our
previous history ; and at the close of this part we add a few others.

Mrs. Loomis says, that her father's family had become, at one
time, destitute of all kinds of flour and meal, and her father, Col.
John Chipman. took a bag of grain on his shoulder, and carried it
on foot to Ticonderoga to be ground and was gone several days ;

mSTv^IlY or MiDLLKBURY. 220

and in the meantime the ilimily lived wholly on milk. ^Vc loam
from another source as coming from Mrs. Chipman, that after open-
ing their log cabin for the entertainment of travellers, she had but
one towel for her guests ; and when travellers came, who appeared
rather smart, she went to the river in the evening, washed and ironed
it, to be ready for her guests in the morning. When Mr. John
Doming was nominated for tavern-keeper, as mentioned elsewhere,
he was like, all the other settlers, destitute of the requisite furniture
for the accommodation of his guests, and unable from the Avant of
mechanics, to supply the deficiency. He needed especially bedsteads,
and called on Judge Painter for the loan of one. " Oh yes," said
the Judge, " but, in that case I shall be obliged to lie on the floor."
But the greatest scarcity of 2)rovisions was in 1790 ; and it was
little short of a famine. It is said that sufficient provisions were
raised the preceding year to supply the settlers ; but, on account of
the famine in the counties north and in Canada, they had been car-
ried away to feed the people in those places. ]Mr. Loomis of Bur-
lington says the famine in that neighborhood was in 1789. Mr.
Abraham "Williamson was then fourteen years old. and recollects tho
femine here. Ilis statement, confirmed by his wife, is that being
wholly destitute of bread, the women went into the fields and cut
off the heads of the wheat before it was ripe, dried them, shelled out
the wheat and boiled it for food ; that almost the only animal food
was the fish taken in Lemon Fair creek, and he thinks that, with-
out this supply, many of the people would have starved. He saw
there, he says, larger collections of people from the neighboring coun-
try, catching fish, than on any other occasion for many years after.
He says that many were so enfeebled for want of food, that they
could not go : but such as had strength went to the creek, built a
fire, and, as they caught the fish, threw them into it, while yet show-
ing signs of life, and Avhen sufficiently cooked stripped oft and ate
the flesh, Avithout disturbing the entrails. After their own appetites
were satisfied, they caught and preserved the remainder for their
friends at home. He states also, that many subsisted on the bulb-
ous roots of leeks, gathered in the woods, and some stripped the bark
from oak trees, the inner bark of which they boiled and converte<l

in

230 HISTORY OF MIDKLEBURY.

into a kind of food ; and that he has seen many oak trees stripped
of their bark, for that purpose, as high as men could reach. The
first bread stuff, he saj'S, brought into the country was Virginia corn.

The following anecdote is received from Mrs. Williamson. A
farmer in the neighborhood had a larger supply of provisions than
his neighbors, but not a proportionate share of benevolence. His
"vvife "was a benevolent woman, from a Quaker family, and educated
in their principles. She was willing to share in the destitution of
her neighbors, that they might share in her abundance. She gave
to the destitute the bran of her wheat as long as her husband would
consent ; and she thought it none the worse for a little flour mixed
with it. The recipients of her bounty sifted the bran, and made
wholesome bread of the finer parts, and such flour rs might be with
it. One day, when preparing a batch of bread, in the absence of
her husband, she took a loaf of the dough and carried it to a neigh-
bor by the name of Thaddeus Palmer, an uncle of Mrs. Williamson,
and living near her father, and said to him, " Thaddeus, thee take
this and give part of it to Polly," and went home. Polly was the
mother of Mrs. Williamson.

Miss Althea Doming states, that her father that year went to
Connecticut, and on his return purchased at Lanesborough a quan^
tity of beans, peas, wheat and corn, and loaded his own horse and
those of two young men in company. The sight of such a treasure
was an occasion of great triumph to Mrs. Deming, as she had baked
her last loaf. The family, she says, had restricted themselves to
two meals a day, and after the cows were milked at evening, they
finished the day with milk punch, seasoned with a small allowance
of whiskey ; and that many families lived for weeks without bread.

J\lr. Asa Preston says that he well recollects the famine ; that the
family were destitute of all kinds of bread stuffs, as well as animal
food. Their whole dependence was on the milk of two cows. In
this dilemma, his father started on horseback for the south to pro-
cure grain, and was gone some time. While his father was absent,
he went to the woods and dug up a large quantity of the roots of
leeks, which were dried and cooked, when needed, and eaten with
their milkj and that this was their only food.

HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY. 231

CHAPTER VIII.

fa<:e of the country — soil— agriculture — mineral spring.

Although a considerable part of the mouatainous region, on the
east part of the town has been set off to Ripton, there still remains
in Middlebury the first or western ridge. Some of this is valuable
tillage land, and some suitable for pasture lands, but much of it is
steep, and some parts difficult of access from the low lands^ and a
large share of it, although well timbered, is too steep and stony to
be advantageously improved for farming. Of that part which lies
west of the mountain, some of it is level, alluvial land, on the banks
of Otter Creek and Middlebury River ; but most of it is moderate-
ly rolling. The principal elevation, and the only one perhaps, which
rises to the distinction of a hill, is that which lies north-easterly
from the village. This has generally borne the name of Chipman's
Hill, because Hon. Daniel Chipman formerly owned the south end
of it, and his residence was at its beautiful southern point. The
members of college, who used formerly to assemble there annually
in the spring for their celebration, gave it the«ame of the " Hill of
Science." Dr. Merrill in his history of Middlebury proposed to
adopt the name of " Mount Nebo," which has not been received
with much favor, and neither of the last two names have been much
used in common imrlance. The prospect from the summit of this
hill is among the finest in New England. From it are seen the el-
evated mountains west of Lake Champlain, the Green Mountains m
the east, including Camel's Hump in the north-east, and the less el-
evated mountains of Rutland County in the south, and the exten-
sive undulating country enclosed by them. At one point, in a clear
day, is seen the Lake itself in the north-west. Professor Hall saya
of this hill, '' Its elevation by the barometer, above the level of the

232' IlISTOrtY UF MIDDLEBL'RY.

water iii Oit:-!- Creek, below the fall, is four hundred and thirty-
nine feet." The principal rivers are Otter Creek and Middlebury
River, and the next largest stream is }.Iuddy Branch, on which stand
the saw mills of Nichols and ^Vheelcr and Abbey and Lovett and
the marble mill of Isaac Gibbs. The supply of water on this stream
is sufficient for these works except in a dry season. Of the rivers
sufficient account is given in the preliminary article on the County
of Addison, and incidentally in this history.

Of the limestone some general account is also driven in the sketch
of the County. To this vre add the following quotation from Pro-
fessor Hall. "Lime stone, which, with comparatively moderate
heat, may be changed into lime, exists in almost every quarter of
the town." " Marble of the finest texture and susceptible of a high
polish, is found here in an inexhaustible abundance. The soil indeed
of the whole township appears to rest on a vast basis of marble. In
more than a hundred places does the marble make its appearance
above the surface. It is arranged in strata, somewhat irregular,
and of different thicknesses, but all inclining more or less to the
plain of the horizon. It is of various colors, from pure white to
deep grey, verging to a black." Of the quarry owned by Isaac
Gibbs, he says — '• A white marble has been quarried and wrought,
on a small scale, in the north pai't of Middlebury. It has received
the name of Kirby marble. When polished, it strongly resembles
the statuary marble of Italy. I have in my mineralogical cabinet
specimens both fi-on*this and from Dr. Judd's quarry, which, in
point of transparency, delicacy of texture and general beauty, are
not surpassed by any Carrara or Parian marble, which has ever
fallen under my observation."

Middlebury, we think, as a whole, has not much cause for boast-
ing of its soil or agriculture. There is much good land, in different
parts of the town, and many fine farms. But a large proportion of
the soil IS a stiff and not very fertile clay, which requires too much
labor for thorough tilling, to encourage the farmers to make the
needed effort. Much of the dry upland was originally covered with
hemlock and pine, which do not furnish so much fertility to the sur-
face of the soil, as deciduous forests by their annually falling leaves.

HISTORY OF MIDDLE nUUY. 233

Tliere is also little silicious, vegetable, or other fertalizing substances
in the soil itself. But it has clay in abundance, which is one of the
essential ingredients of a fertile soil, and probably sufficient lime.
Other ingredients may be added, which will destroy its tenacity, and
render it fertile and susceptible of more easy tilling. We have
known some of the most productive gardens made on the stiffest clay,
by mixing with it sand, muck or rotten chips and barnyard manure.
The land, in such case, should be ploughed or thrown up into ridges
in the fall, so as to be exposed to the action of the frost, and drain
off the surface water in the spring. This would require considera-
ble labor and expense. But we think that, where the materials can
be conveniently obtained, the farmer Avould be well paid by thus
gradually preparing so much of his land as lie may need f-jr tilling.
The lands, which are not sufficiently dry, should also be thoroughly
drained. But some dry lands, in their natural state are sufficiently
mixed with other ingredients to be easily, if rightly, tilled without
any additional mixture. And much of the lower lands, which were
originally covered with ash, elm and soft maple, have proved to be
good for grass, without any artificial preparation. The alluvial
lands and the higher parts of many hills, which were originally cov-
ered with maple, beech and other upland wood, have lighter soils,
are easily tilled and adapted to the production of corn and other,
crops, which require hoeing.

Lands on the east street near the mountain, some of which are
sandy, and others more properly called loam, have heretofore been
undervalued, and have been slow in their settlement. But more re-
cently they have risen in public estimation, and are now regarded
as among the most valuable. Much of the land in the neighborhood
of the village, in the east part of the toAvn and elsewhere, was orig-
inally covered with a heavy growth of pine, which is very valuable
for its timber, but not likely to be selected for farming. We repeat
therefore, that while we have much land of the first quality, Mid-
dlebury has not been distinguished for a high agricultural reputation,
among its more distinguished neighbors. The smaller town of Cornwall,
at the first census of 1791 had a population more than double that
of Middlebury, and several other towns in the county nearly double.

1234 HIST jHY of MIDDI.ITA-UY.

The nature of our soil lias induced the flirmers to devote their ef-
forts to the raising of stock rather than tilling. The tendency of
this has been to reduce the number of farmers, and the population
in the agricultural parts of the town. But we think our agricul-
ture is improving, the farms are generally in good and more per-
manent hands, and we trust, ere long, we may be able to stand a com-
petition with our neighbors without discredit.

Peaches and quinces are not raised here with any success. But
apples, pears, plums, cherries and all other fruits, common to this
latitude, are raised in the highest perfection ; as are also all gar^
den vegetables.

MINERAL SPRING.

The following is copied from the history of Middlebury, by Dr.
Merrill, who was much better acquainted with the subject than we
are. ' ' About thirty or forty rods to the right of the road, leading
north-east from the village, and nearly two miles distant, on very
low land belonging to Messrs. William and Edwin Hammond, within
a circuit of twenty feet radius, are seven springs, — the Septennary
Springs. They appear to be independent of each other, as digging a
channel and lowering one does not affect the others. They have de-
posited, especially the western ones in abundance, calcareous tufa,
which much resembles that of Clarendon. Some of this tufa exhib-
its traces sf iron, and all of it probably, when exposed to intense
heat, would show the presence of sulphur. Some of them, espe-
cially the largest and most southerly one, have often proved beneficial
in cutaneous diseases ; and in cases of poison, they are said, when
drunken freely and used for washing the affected part, to afford a
very speedy and certain cure. When the water about these springs
shall be so drained off, that they can be thoroughly tested, they may
yet be turned to a valuable account.

Ui^TOia' OF AllDDtliBUUt. 286

CHAPTER IX.

SETTLEMENT OF TDE VILLAGE — ABISIIA AVASilBURX — PAINTEira

MILLS — foot's wills — UOP JQIIXSON — COL. STORKS PAINTEB

IN THE VILLAGE — FIRST STORE — SAMUEL MILLER- — S. LUDLEY
U. GORTON — JOHN DEMING — S. FOOT— B. SEYMOUR M. POST.

In the year 1774 or 1775, Abislia Washburn, of Salisbury, Conn.,
undertook to take possession of the ^vatcr power on the east side of
the falls. He did not come 'within the conditions of the vote of the
proprietors in March 1765, one of -which was that the saw mill
should be Imilt within '-fifteen months." But, in consequence of
some subsequent vote or the general understanding of the proprie-
tors, it seems to have been considered by him and others, that build-
ing a saw mill would give him a claim to the privilege and the lands
adjoining. The adjoining lot was called the mill lot, even before
the survey of Judge Painter. Washburn did not bring his family
here, but spent one summer in getting up a saw mill on the falls.
Whether it was put in operation we have not ascertained. He
returned to Salisbury in the fall, and the revolutionary war then
threatening, or having commenced, the authorities of Massachusetts
engaged him to undertake the casting of cannon at Salisbury, for
their use. He did not therefore return to Mitldlebury until after
the war. In the meantime, his mill, whatever it Avas, was destroyed
by the Indians. Some of these facts we have obtained from Miss
Bradley and jNIrs. Horace Loomis of Burlington, both grand daugh-
ters of Mr. Washburn. This was the beginning of operations in
the village^ and the only one before the war.

In the spring of 1784, Washburn returned for the purpose of
re-building his mill, and by the aid of Col. Chipman and Judge
Painter, a new mill was completed and put in operation in 1785,

23G HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY*

but wa3 swept luvay by the succeeding spring frcsliet. Afterwards,
by an arrangement between Washburn and Judge Painter, the latter
secured the privileges which Washburn was understood to possess,
and pitched for himself the fifty acre lot. including the falls, called
the ■' mill lot," and for Washburn another fifty acres, south and
cast of his own^ Avhich he soon purchased. Neither of these pitches
-was founded on any claim for building the mill, but Avere probably
a part of the arrangement, in the transfer of the supposed claim.
These pitches embrace the whole of tlie village east of the creek
and south of Hyde's pitch, afterwards occupied by Freeman Foot
as his farm. Painter, soon after, proceeded to erect mills, and in
1787 had put in operation a saw mill, and in 1788 a grist mill.
The former was built on the rock at the head of the falls, near
where the present grist mill is, and the latter partly below it.

In the meantime, in 1783, John Ilobson Johnson, — more gener-
ally known as Hop Johnson, — built a cabin, at the head of the
rapids on the west side of the creek, then in Cornwall, a little below
the abutment of the rail road bridge, on that side of the river. This
Avas the stopping place for all travellers on the creek, and he kept
a ferry and a place of refreshment for them. Pie continued h is
possession and business here until about the year 1789, when he left
the country for " parts unknown," leaving his wife and several
children in possession of his house and ferry.

After Daniel Foot discovered the failure of his title under the
Weybridge charter, he purchased the right of pitching under the
charter of Cornwall, and laid out one hundred acres, embracing the
Avhole of the falls on Cornwall side, extending about forty rods
south of them to the " old Weybridge corner ;" and the same year
1781, erected a large building, sufficient to accommodate a saw mill
and grist mill. The former went into operation in July, and the
latter in November, 1785. Lentil a short time previous to the com-
pletion of this grist mill, the inhabitants were obliged to go to Pitts-
ford for their grinding. The grain was taken in boats, or on rafts
up the creek, to Pittsford. A few weeks before Foot's mill was in ope-
ration, Col. Sawyer had completed a grist mill on Leicester River,
Jit Salisbury village, and, during that time, the resort was to his mill.

HIBTOr.Y Ul- jIII>DLEUUKY. 237

Mr. Foot soon gave up the possession of his mills and lands in
Cornwall to his sons, Stillman Foot and John Foot, and in 1789
deeded to them his mill lot, with mills and other buildings and im-
provements. Previous to this, one or more small buildings near
the mills had been erected ; and Stillman Foot, in 1786^ had erected
a dwelling house for his own family, which is the oldest dwelling
house of any description now remaining, and is the dwelling house,
with considerable alterations and additions, occupied by Daniel Hcn-
p shaw, for many years, and which is now occupied by J. S. Bush-
nell, Esq., his son-in-law.

About the year 1791. John Foot sold his share of the property
in Cornwall to his brother Appleton Foot ; but remained in the vil-
lage two or three 3rears. In July 1794, Stillman and Appleton
h divided their property in Cornwall, and arranged between themselves
the privileges of the water, which they had before held in common,
^ Stillman took the upper part of the falls, where the woolen factory
■ now is, extending to the bridge, and Appleton the privilege below
his, and the land on the creek north of the road leading west across
the college or academy common, and extending north to the north
line of the mill lot. Stillman took the land up the creek, south to
C^^l. Storrs' land and extending Avest over part of the college common.
About this time Appleton Foot built a dwelling house for his
family, on the ground where the brick house now stands, occupied
^ by Dr. Nathaniel Harris. In this he resided until he removed
^L from town. Stillman Foot had a grist mill where the stone part of
^^the woolen factory stands, and a saw mill further up stream, on the
rocks back of the dry house. He built also a small house for his
miller on his mill yard. Appleton built a stone grist mill and a saw
mill -just below Stillman' s mills, and a part of what was called his

(mill house, now owned by the woolen factory company.
The first tenements, on the west side of the creek, were built
along its western bank. A few rods south of Hop Johnson's house,
James Bentley senior, father of Johnson's wife, built a small house,
in which he lived after the war. On the lot now occupied by Mr.
Bushnell was a small house called the Judd house, built by Still-
man Foot for the use of his workmen, and on the lot occupied by

14

238 HISTORY OF MIDDLEBIIRY.

the widoAV of Judge Phelps, a small house called the " Red house,"
■which was afterwards moved to the ridge south of jNIr. Davenport's.
Mrs. McLeod, a daughter of Capt. Ebenezer Markham, to whom
we shall again refer, says, that, when a child, she often, in her ram-
bles, saw the foundations of these several houses. She says also,
that there was then a road to the creek from where Mrs. Cutter's
house stands. Simeon Dudley, who was employed in building
Foot's mills in 1785, erected a temporary shanty on the site now
occupied by Mrs. Phelps, in which he lived two years without chim-
ney or cellar.

Col. Seth Storrs, who had been in the practice of law at Addison,
removed to JMiddlebury in 1794, after the courts were established
heie. We mention his settlement in this place, in anticipation of
the details of our history, because he became one of the principal
owners, who sold to others the Ian Is, which novr constitute the village
west of the creek. Among other lands, he purchased the farm, on
which he afterwards resided until his death, extending from the
north line of his house lot and garden south to the home farm of
the late Judge Phelps, and from the creek west to the top of the
hill, and embracing the land whei'e the college buildings stand, a
large part of the academy common, and the residences on the streets
included in these limits. He first resided in a gambrel roof house,
built by John Foot, on the site of the present brick house, recently
owned and occupied by Edward Wainwright, afterward by Samuel
Shepard, and now by George C. Chapman. On this site he built
in 1801 and 1802 the handsome frame house, which was burnt in
1831 ; and during the progress of erecting this, his gambrel roof
house was removed off the ground and occupied by his family. Af-
ter the destruction of the wooden house, the present brick house
was erected by Professor Turner, his son-in-law, and was occupied
by him and his family, with Col Storrs and his family, until the
death of each.

Col. Seth Storrs was a native of Mansfield, Conn., born June 24,
1756. lie was educated at Yale College, and was graduated in
1778. After he lelt college, he was for several years associated
with Rev. Timothy Dwight, D. D. in the instruction of a public

HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY. 239

seminary at Novthampton ]\Iass. Soon after the close of the war
he came to Vermont, then opening an inviting field for the enter-
prise of young men, and pursued his professional studies in the office
of the Hon. Noah Smith in Bennington. Having received license,
he located himself in Addison in this county in 1787. The county
had been incorporated in the fall of 1785, but the first court was
held in the spring of 1786. Addison, at the time, was the most
prominent settlement in the county. He continued in that place
until he removed to Middlebury, While he resided in Addison, he
boai'ded in the family of Hon John Strong, the first chief judge of
the county court, and was married to his daughter. We believe
he was the first lawyer, who settled in the county, except Samuel
Chipman, a brother of Hon. Daniel Chipman, who was licensed the
year previous and settled in Vergennes. Col. Storrs was appointed
in 1787 the first state's attorney, and was annually appointed to
that office for the next ten years. After his removal to jNliddlebury,
he continued in successful practice here. He was also among the
most active in counselling and contributing to measures to advance
the prosperity of the village. He was forward in promoting the
'establishment of our literary institutions. In his deed, executed
jointly with others, he conveyed to the corporation of Addison Coun-
ty Grammar School a large share of the land, on which the build-
inw of that institution was erected, together with the extensive com-
raon connected with it. When the location of the college was re-
moved, and the stone college built, he contributed the whole tract,
which forms the handsome grounds of that institution. He was
constituted by the charters, a member of both these corporations.

From the time of his settlement here, Col. Storrs was an active
supporter of the religious institutions of the place, especially of the
Congregational church and society, to which he immediately attached
himself, and was one of the first regularly chosen deacons of the
former In the later years of his life, he was more generally em-
ployed in various offices of trust, than in the labors of his profession.
He was many years town clerk, and clerk of the Congregational
church and society, and was moderator and on committees in each.

Col. Storrs was a gentleman of what has been called the "old

240 HISTOllY OF HIDBLKBURT.

school," and no man "was better entitled to the designation, •which
we have heard applied to him, of a " Christian gentleman." He
died at Vergennes, while on a visit to his friends in that place, on
the 5th of October 1842, at the age of 71 years.

After the completion of Daniel Foot's first mills, Simeon Dudley
was employed by Painter in erecting his mills. In 1787, he com-
menced the erection, near the grounds of the Addison House, of a
shanty similar to that which he occupied on the west side, which
took fire and was consumed before its completion. He then com-
menced the erection of a more permanent building, which Judge
Painter purchased, remodeled and prepared for his own residence.
It was on ground now the front yard of Mrs. Wainwright's present
dwelling, near the south line. To this house, in the fall of 1787,
he removed his family from his farm in the south part of the town,
and resided in it until the completion of his new house in 1802.

At that time the whole region was covered with a thick and
gloomy forest of hemlock and pine, except small spaces about the
mills and small tenements, which had been erected. At the first
Christmas after his settlement here, he invited the settlers to a Christ- _
mas dinner. Col. Sumner, who had just settled on his farm two
miles north. Freeman Foot, who had built a house just north of the
village, Stephen Goodrich and his sons on the Bass farm, the Foots
and their workmen on the west side of the creek, and his own
workmen, were the only near neighbors. But his invitations were
probably extended further. "Whatever the numbers may have been,
the company, as is common in all new countries, probably had a
merry time. Samuel Bartholomew,, who resided in Cornwall, was
a man of some eccentricities, and given to rhyming, on extraordi-
nary occasions. He had early planted an orchard of sweet apples,
which became a common resort for the young folks to buy and eat
apples, and he was therefore called the " Apple man." Among his
eccentricities, he never wore shoes in the summer, except when he
went to church, as he sometimes did m this village. On such occa-
sions he carried his shoes in his hand until he arrived among the
inhabitants, and then put them on and walked to the place of meet-
ing. These incidents relate to a later period of his life. This

IIISTOIIY OF illLDLEBURY. 241

entertainment being a proper subject for bis muse, be composed tbe
following doggerel verses on tbe occasion.

"Tliia place, called MiJdlcbury Falls
Is like a city without walls.
Surrounded 'tis by hemlock trees
Which shut out all its enemies.
The powwow now on Christmas day.
Which much resembled Indian play,
I think will never be forgotten
Till all the hemlock trees are rotten."

Tbis effusion, wbicb never before bad tbe honor to be put in type,
was repeated to us by Mrs. Severance, before mentioned, who wc
think, was one of the guests at the entertainment.

When Judge Painter became settled here, v.'itb his usual sagacity,
he adopted his plans to make this a village and place of business of
some importance. For this purpose he adopted a liberal plan for
the disposition of his lands to settlers. His first deed of one acre,
where the Addison House stands, was given to Simeon Dudley, on
the 10th of September 1788 ; but no building was erected on it
until Samuel Mattocks built his tavern house in 1794.

In January 1789, Painter deeded to Benjamin Gorton of Hudson
N. Y., a small piece of land, below and adjoining the bridge, bein'-'-
the land on which the brick store of Gen. Nash was recently burnt,
and on which Mr. Cobb has recently erected a largo building for
his printing oflSce, and including the land on which Mr. Wood's
meat room stood. Gorton was uncle to Jabez Rogers, Jun., and al-
though he never resided in jNIiddlebury, was extensively connected
with him, as a partner, in real estate and the various enterprises,
in which Rogers was subsequently engaged. On this lot Rogers
soon erected a building and opened a store, which was understood to
be the first store in the county. In 1796 he was succeeded by Sis-
son, Dibble and Sherrill ; and in 1800 Benjamin Seymour pur-
chased the building and occupied a part of it, as a residence for his
family, and a part for his hatter's shop. Here Mr. Seymour pros-
ecuted for several years his business as a hatter, and afterwards ex-
changed it for that of a merchant A small piece of this lot was
afterwards purchased by Nathan Wood, who owned the mill, and

242 HISTORY OF middli:bury.

the mill building Tvas extended over it, and at the same time John
Seymour, son ot Benjamin, built the biick store, afterwards owned
bj Gen. Nash.

On the point of rock, which extended farther into the creek, Rog-
ers erected a small separate building, which was occupied for sever-
al years by Samuel i^argeant as a silver smith shop. This was re-
moved during the enterprise for removing the obstructions to the
free passage of the water over the falls.* Sargeaut thereupon put up
the brick building on the east side of the falls, on the point formed
by the two roads around the park, and removed his shop there.

In September 1789^ Painter deeded to Samuel Miller Esq. a half
acre lot, on which he afterwards lived, and in December following,
the meadow east of it. jNIiller had that year, before receiving his
deed, put up an office, to which he afterwards built a front ; and oc-
cupied the whole as a dwelling house until the time of his death.
The house was afterwards purchased by Edward D. Barber, repair-
ed and altered and occupied by him and until recently belonged to
his estate, and was occupied by Professor Piobbins, and has lately
been purchased and is now occupied by Mr. Z. Beckwilh.

Samuel Miller was the first laAvycr, who settled in jNIiddlebury,
and was among the most distinguished citizens, who have had a res-
idence here. I!e was born in ^pringfield, Mass., April 2, 1764.

*Large tracts uf low Ian Is or swamps on the borders of the creek above the falls,
were overflowed in the spring and other large freshets, and on account of the slug-
gishness of the stream and the obstructions at tlie falls, the water- remained so
long on the lands as seriously to injure them. The rocks at the falls made a com-
plete dam, and rendered an artificial one unnecessaiy. The channels for the water
to the mills were cut through the rocks. The owners of tlie lands, in order to re-
move the obstructions to the free passage of the water, in 1806 entered into a con-
tract with the mill oArners to lower their water coui'ses. The legislature, at their
Si'ssion in 180-1, had granted a tax on the lands to the amount of two thousand dol-
la s to pay the expense. Much of the land was sold for the tax, and is still held
under that title. This measure did not satisfy the land owners, and further expense
was incurred in reducing the channel at the head of the rapids ; and among other
obstructions, which needed to be removed, was the rock on which Sargeant's shop
stood. For this purpose it was exchanged, in 1>>22 for the ground on which he
erected his new shop. This point was not included in Painter's deed for a common,
but was reserved as a part of his mill yard, and by his will became the property of
the corporation of Aliddlebury College, and by their agent deeded to Mr. Sargeant,

HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY. 243

lie came into the State in 1785, and resided in Wallingford. He
never had the advantages of a coliC2;iate education ; but this defieien-
cy was ■well supplied hy superior talents and a thirst for knowledge,
which he early manifested. Independent of all external aid, he set
himself to work to build up a character and influence by his own
native energies. Before coming to Vermont he had made himself
acijuainted with some of the sciences, especially mathematics in its
various branches. One object in devoting himself to this science
probably was to qualify himself, as a thorough practical surveyor
in this new country. In this department, he Avas to some extent
employed after he came to this place. But he aimed at a position
of hij-her influence. Soon after he came into the State he entered
upon the study of the law and v/as licensed..in the County of Rut-
laud. Immediately after, he located himself in Middlebury, when
the site of the villajre was almost a wilderness.

Mr. Miller had a mind of unusual activity and vigor, and of very
q-uick and discriminating perceptions, lie im.mediately entered up-
on an extensive practice, not only in this county, but in the western
counties of the State^ north and south of it. ^\ bile he lived, he and
Daniel Chipman occupied a similar rank, and stood at the head of
the profession, in the several counties vrhcre they practiced. In
these counties they were engaged in all the important disputed causes,
together or in opposition. In his addresses to the jury, Mr. Miller's
enunciation was rather rapid, but his argument was systematic, clear
and forcible.

Mr. Miller was disinclined to enter into puljlic life, but was known
and had an extensive influence throufrh the State. He was elected
a representative to the General Assembly in 1797, and Avas a prom-
inent and influential member. He had then been in town only
eight years, and previous to that time Judge Painter had been the
only representative, except one year. A leading politician of the
opposite party, proposed to him to become their candidate for gov-
ernor, with the assurance, that, in that case, he would be elected.
But he declined, and we are not aware that heaver held any other
public oflice in the State. His manners were courteous and gentleman-
ly, and he Avas rather insinuating in his address. He was everywhere

244 ni.JTOHY OF middlebup.y.

recognized as a gentleman. While the prominent men of Midulc-
bury were urgently pressing, before the legislature and elswhere,
the claims of their town, it was remarked bj a politician of that
day. that "the influence of Paiuter with his cunning, Chipman
with his argument, and Miller with his courteous address, "if it
were possible, would deceive the very elect."

I\Ir. Miller, like other prominent citizens, was devoted to the
prosperity of the village, Avhich he had adopted as his home, and
liberally contributed to build up its institutions by his influence and
money. He was especially active in procuring a charter for Mid-
dlebury College, and in raising that institution to a state of pros-
perity. Among other contributions he gave one thousand dollars to
establish the first professorship. By the charter of that corporation,
he was constituted one of its first members. He was no less devoted
and active in sustaining the institutions of religion here and else-
where. He was libsral, especially in his support of the Congrega-
tional Society in its weakness and trials. When the legislature
removed the foundation on which that and similar societies were
formed, and left the support of religion entirely to voluntary asso-
ciation, he aiforded efficient aid in the organization and prosperity of
the new society. In the year 1805, he united himself more closely
to its interests, by becoming a member of the church. His co-ope-
ration in all measures to promote the prosperity of the church and
society was efficient and influential. In his will he left a legacy of
one thousand dollars, the income of which was to be appropriated
annually for the support of the gospel in the society, and five hun-
dred dollars to the Vermont Missionary Society.

On the 7th of October 1790, the next year after he commenced
the practice of law in this place, Mr. Miller was married to Rebec-
ca Mattocks, daughter of Hon. Samuel Mattocks, then residing in
Tinmouth, and for many years treasurer of the state, and sister of
Samuel Mattocks Jun. a distinguished citizen of this town. She
was worthy of him, and made his home the centre of his afibctions.

Some years befordfcis death, Mr. Miller was afflicted with a can-
cerous sore, on one of his legs, which increased in vii'ulence from
year to year. No remedies checked its progress. He consulted

IIliiTOUV OF MIDDLEBUllY. 2[5

tlie most skilful surgeons, and among thcso, Dr. Nuthun Smith then
professor of Dartmouth College. He advised amputation as the only
hope of avoiding a fatal termination, and he performed the painful
operation. But it was inefficient as a remedy. The cancer broke
out in another part of his body, and terminated his life on the 17th
day of April 1810. Ilis widow survived him many years, in her
quiet and unostentatious acts of benevolence, and in leading others,
by her influence and example, in every good work.

lion. John Mattocks of Peacham, late governor of Vermont, and
Hon. William Mattocks of Danville, Avcre also brothers of Mrs.
Miller, and pursued their pi'ofessional studies under the tuition of
Mr. Miller.

John Doming from Canaan Conn., purchased of Judge Painter
ten acres, extending north from the south east corner of the Con-
gregational church to the north line of the mill lot, and west from
the same bounds to the west line of the late Hon. Horatio Seymour's
garden, and the north end extending west in a narrow strip to the
creek, thus forming an L. On this strip stands the house once oc-
cupied by Ozias Seymour, south of the house in which he novr re-
sides. Doming at the same time purchased of Asa Fuller an addi-
tional tract, north of the above, on the Avest side of the paper mill
road. In order to bring together the several settlements on this
early purchase of Mr. Deming, with as little confusion as possible,
we shall be compelled to anticipate the dates of our history.

Deming was a blacksmith, and erected a building designed for
his shop on the ground now occupied by Mr. Seymour's house.
This he divided into two rooms for the residence of his family, while
he was building a larger house for their accommodation. "While he
was residing in this building, the town nominated him as a tavern
keeper, the duties of which he undertook to discharge, as best he
could. One night his guests amounted to twenty-live, belonging to
families moving into the country, and they all stopped for breakfast.
Miss Althca Deming his daughter, from whom we received these de-
tails, was born in the same house.

In 1790 Mr. Deming erected a large house on the ground now

occupied by the Congregational church, the first two story house in

15

246 niSTORT OF MIUDLEBURy.

the village, and said, at the time, to be the largest house in the
County. In this he lived and continued his tavern until the fall of
1704. In the meantime, in 1792 he sold to George Sloan, also
a blacksmith, a small tract, on which stood the small house built for
a blacksmith shop. lie subsequently resided in Salisbury about a
dozen years, and afterwards in Middlebury until 1813, when he re-
moved to Crown Point, where he died in 1815, at the age of fifty-
three. His widow and family then returned to Middlebury, and
occupied the house, which he built during his last residence, on
Seminary street, where his daughter Althea still resides. Here
Mrs. Doming died in 1841 at the age of eighty-four.

Samuel Foot in 1794 purchased and took possession of the prem-
ises left by Mr. Doming, and continued to occupy them until 1803.
In the meantime he added to his land on the west side of the paper
mill road a small tract, extending north and including Mr. Sey-
mour's farm house. Yvhile in possession of the lands purchased of
Deming, Foot sold, in 1797, to Dr. Joseph Clark, a small building
lot next north of the houses now owned by Dr. Allen, Avhere Clark
built the two story house, in ^\hich he opened and kept a tavern,
which has since been owned successively by Dr. "William G. Hooker,
Charles Bowen and others and is now owned by Mr, Bellows of
Walpole. In 1799, he sold to William Coon the lot on which John
Jackson now resides, occup^-ing a part of the house for his residence
and a part for his hat store. The south half of the house had been
previously built and used for a school house. The north part was
built by Hiram Seymour, a hatter from Canada, who resided here
during the last British war. Foot had previously sold to Jonathan
Nichols Jun. the lot next north of the last mentioned. On this lot
Nichols moved a blacksmith shop and fitted it up for the residence
of his father, Jonathan Nichols senior, who, after a short residence,
resided with his son-in-law Billy Manning until his death in 1814,
at the age of eighty-seven. Edward Eells, a goldsmith, afterwards
owned this lot, resided on it several years and built the present two
story house now occupied by Mr. Parker Cleveland. The old black-
smith shop, ni the meantime, was removed to the south side of the
lot, and is still occupied as a residence.

histjKY op- middlebury. 247

The land which Foot owned on the west side of the paper mill
road he sold in 1802 to Hon. Horatio Seymour, and the premises
connected with his tavern stand in 1803, to Landon Case from Ad-
dison, lie then removed to Crown Point, in company with his
brother-in-law Lewis McDonald. While Mr. Foot remained in town
he kept a public house, but was principally employed in the duties
of deputy sheriff.

Olcutt "White in 1807 purchased of Loudon Case a lot north of
the church on the New Haven road, on which had been previously
built the south half of the building now standing there, and after-
wai-ds White built the north half. Li this building he carried on
the business of book binding, and had a small book store. It is
now owned by Dr. Charles L. Allen, and the apartments are rented
to various persons.

]\Ir. Seymour afterwaixls became the owner of all the lands on
the west side of the paper mill road, and from him was derived the
title to the numerous lots now occupied tlwjre for residences. The
following are a few of the earlier lots disposed of by hira. In 1803
he appropriated for a female seminary the lot, on which his son,
Ozias Seymour Esq. lives. The two story building standing on it
was that year built and for several years used for a female scliool,
but is now fitted up for a residence- This lot Mr. Seymour deeded
in 1806 to the corpoi-ation of Addison County Grammar School, for
the use of a female seminary. In 1808 Benjamin SeymxOur pur-
chased the lot on which he built the small brick house now owned
by Gen. Nash. To this he removed his family, and resided in it
until his death, but continued his business at the old stand below
the bridge. In 1808 Mtu'tin Post Esq. an attorney settled in Corn-
wall, who had then been appointed clerk of the county court, pur-
chased the lot next north of the Female Seminary. jMr. Post built
here the small house, which forms the kitchen of Dr. Moody's house.
He died in 1811, at the age of thirty-two. He left a widow and
several small children, two of whom are living and are Rev. Martin
M. Post, a clergyman of standing in Indiana and Rev. Truman M.
Post, D. D., of St. Louis Missouri.

24S iirsToriY of :jidi!Lebu-ry.

CIIAPTER X.

DARIUS MATTHEWS — CURTIS AND CAMPBELL — DE. WILLARD — H.
SEYMOUR — D. CHIPMAX — J. ROGERS — A. RHODES — L. AND J.

M' DOXALD — S. MATTOCKS — W. YOUNG — F. DILL — DR. CLARK

N. AND I. STEWART — SEMINARY STREET — SLADE AND CO. — J.
SIMMONS.

Darius Matthews settled in Middlebury in 1789 as a physician,
and the year following purchased of Judge Painter the lot next
north of Samuel Miilcr'S; and the same year built a small house,
which constitutes the kitchen of Mrs. Merrill's residence. . In No-
vember of the same year, he was married to Abigail Porter, daugh-
ler of Judsre Porter of Tinmouth, and sister of the late Rev. Ebe-
nezer Porter, D. D., professor and president of Andover Theolog-
ical Seminary. He resided in this place until 1797, when he pur-
chased of Col. Seth Storrs, an acre of land, on which he built the
house afterwards occupied by Ethan Andrus, Esq. The lot is now
owned by Jason Davenport, and is the site of his new dwelling
house.

Hon. Darius ISIatthews was the second physician who settled in
IMiddlebury, and among the most respectable of the early settlers.
He was born in Cheshire, Conn., December 17, 1766. At the age
of thirteen he removed to Tinmouth, in Rutland County, and having
a fondness for study and perseverance in the pursuit of learning, he
had obtained a sufficient education to engage in the responsible du-
ties of school teaching at the age of fourteen. By the same persever-
ing disposition and efforts, he made himself sufficiently acquainted
with the science of medicine, under the tuition of Dr. Marvin of
Tinmouth, to be licensed to practice at the age of twenty-one. At
that at age he commenced the practice of his profession in Salisbury,

HISTORY OF MIDDLEBUny. 249

hut removed to Mitldlcbury in 1789. In 1708, he was appointed
clerk of the Supreme Court, in 1801 judge of probate for the Dis-
trict of Addison, which then embraced the Avhole County, and in
1803, clerk of the County Court. From tliis time he relinquished
the practice of his profession, and devoted his attention to the faith-
ful and very satisfactory discharge of the duties of his several offi-
ces. He continued in the offices of Judge of Probate and clerk of the
Supreme Court until his death, and in the office of clerk the County
Court until 1808. In that year he exchanged his house and lot in
i\Iiddlcbury for the farm of Ethan Andrus. Es(p, in Cornwall, now
occupied by his son. Rev. Lyman Matthews. He was elected a
representative ot Cornwall in the legislature from 1811 to 1817
inclusive. By the charter of ^Middlebury College, he was made one
of the original members of that corporation, and continued a judi-
cious and useful member and friend and helper of that institution
until the close of his life. He Avas a member the Rjli'nous Con-
gregational Church and Society in Middlebury as well as in Corn-
■wall, and everywhere a firm advocate and supporter of religious and
literary institutions. He was somewhat reserved in his conversation
and manners, and possessed an uncommonly cool and deliberate
judgment, and a conservative disposition. By these traits he exert-
ed, in all his relations, an extensive and salutary influence. He
died Oct. 8, 1819, at the age of fifty-three years.

Curtis and Campbell purchased the house first built by Dr. Mat-
thews and built the two story front. The south end was used for
their store, and the remainder was occupied by Campbell for a res-
idence. Their business was continued until the spring of 1801,
when their partnership was dissolved. Daniel Campbell then took
into partnership his brother William Campbell, and the business
was continued in their name for several years : and in 1804 they
purchased the lot of Judge Painter where his grist miller's house
stood and built the brick store now standing in the rear of the pres-
ent Stewart store, and now occupied by Chapman and Barbour. In
1807 Dr. Merrill purchased Campbell's house and resided in it un-
til his death in 1855. and it is now occupied by his widow.

Campbell's brick store was purchased by David Page, Jun. and

250 IIISURY OF MIDDIlBUin'.

Luke Wheelock, under tlie firm of Page and Vnieeloclc, and by
them in 1812 sold to Noble and Ira Stewart. Page and Wheelock
■were from Jaifrej New Hampshire, and in this building, thej car-
ried on extensively the mercantile business for several years. While
thus enofaged, Mr. "Wheelock visited Montreal, on business, and took
the small pox, and on his return was seized with that disease and
died on the 9th of April, 1810. This establishment was succeeded,
under different names and by diScrent persons, who had been in
some way connected with the above. Joseph Hough and Nathan
Wood, who had been clerks to Mr. Pago, prosecuted the business
for some time, and the late Jonathan Wheelock, brother of Luke
Wheelock, was also for a time connected in the concern. All these
have since been engaged in other business. Mr. Wood only has
continued permanently in the mercantile business, and occupied the
store in front of the mill until it was burnt.

Dr. John Willard was the first physician who settled in Middle-
bury. He came to this place about the' year 1787. When he com-
menced practice the town was almost wholly a wilderness, and the
roads, which had been opened, were nearly impassable, especially in
muddy seasons. But he continued an extensive practice until he
was called to the discharge of other duties. He resided first in a
house built by Freeman Foot, on the south side of his farm, afcer-
w^ards owned by Daniel Chipman. Li 1791 he purchased of Judge
Painter a small lot, next north of the tavern lot sold to Simeon
Dudley, and built a house just back of the present bank building.
Here he lived until 1797, when he sold it to Samuel Mattocks, and
purchased of Stillman Foot the lot on which the late Judge Phelps
resided. There was on it, at the time, a small house built by John
Foot, and occupied by him as a dwelling house. Here Dr. Willard
resided until, some years after, he built the brick house on the Corn-
wall road, which constituted the late elegant homestead of Charles
Linsley, Esq. In 1801, under the administration of Mr. Jefferson,
he was appointed marshal of the District of Vermont. In this of-
fice he continued until 18 10. After this appointment he rehnquished
principally the practice of his profession. But, in the meantime,
he became distinguished as a politician. He was for several years

PAINTED BYJUVEL

i.A!JfMiJiJtt/ S/iRTAJH.—I'mi,?

m^ J(D)IK1!^ WDLL/^lfi]®.

rci ^/

■/*■.

■)»,. f

IIISTOKY ur inbULKlilRY. 251

at the head of the organization of the Kepublican party, as chair-
man of its central committee. No man at that time probably had
as much influence in controlling the measures of the party as he.

On the establishment of the Vermont State Bank in 180G, he waa
appointed one of the directors and continued in that office, until the

Branch at Middlcbury was closed. In 1812, Dr. "Willard was ap-
pointed and officiated as Sheriff of the County,

Dr. "Willard was born in 1759 at the town, then known as East
Guilford, now Madison, Conn, llis father, Capt. John "Willard,
a ship master, died Avhen lie Avas a child, and he was left in the care
of his mother, and aided in carrying on her small farm. Not liking
the drudgery of a farmer's boy, he went to sea. Toward the close
of the revolutionary war he was taken by the British, on board an
American privateer, and confined in. and subjected to the horrors of,
the Jersey prison ship, lying at Walabout Bay. After he was re-
leased and had regained the health and strength, which he had lost
in prison, he received the appointment of quartermaster in a Con-
necticut regiment of volunteers. At the close of the war, he en-
tered upon the study of medicine under the tuition of Dr. Jonathan
Todd, the principal physician in his native place. He had before
had the limited advantages for education, of only a few months each
year, at a district school in his childhood. But he Avas fond of study
and made the most of the advantages he enjoyed. As an introduc-
tion to his medical studies, he pursued, to a limited extent, classical
studies Avith the pastor of the parish. After completing his medi-
cal studies, he settled in the practice as before stated. In August
1809 he Avas married to Miss Emma Hart, then principal of the
Female Seminary here, and who has since become distinguished in
that department. After she opened her school at their residence,
he co-operated. Avith her in building it up and sustaining it. Hav-
ing greater encourairement from friends in the State of Ncav York,
they removed their residence and school to Watcrford in 1819, and
two years afterAvards to Troy. Dr. "Willard's death took place
May 25, 1825, at the age of sixty-six years.

In 1791, Elias Wilder a hatter, purchased of Judge Painter the
lot next Avcst of the land purchased by Dcming, on Avhich the

252 HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY.

Brewster brick building stands. Here he built a house and shop,
and continued his business about two years.

In the same year, Jabez Rogers, Jun.. purchased a lot y.cst of
the Wilder lot, extending west on the common to the west line of
the rail-road, north to the northern strip of land purchased by Dom-
ing, and just north of the old house last occupied by Rogers, and
west to the creek, embracing the land and rocks around and below
the eddy. He also purchased the Wilder lot. On these lots he
built the old house above mentioned, and in 1800, for the purpose
of accommodating boarders attending the legislature that year, he
erected the two story house, which was removed to make room for
the rail road, next west of Brewster's block. lie, at a later day, built
the large brick house, north of l\Ir. Seymour's, now ovv-ncd by Dr.
William P. Russcl. At an early day he established on the bor-
ders of the eddy, a brewery, distillery and potash, which he con-
ducted for several years, in company with his brother-in-law, Leb-
beus Harris, father of the present Dr. Nathaniel Harris, a surgeon
dentist. The elder Mr. Harris died in 1814, aged fifty years, and
Mr. Rogers in 181G, at the age of seventy-five.

In the year 1793, the lot on which the brick house stands, now
occupied by Nathan Wood, and extending to the creek, was pur-
chased by Anthony Rhodes, who that year settled in Middlcburj as
a merchant. The year following, he purchased a small piece lying
between the above and the south line of the common^ and built on
these lots a dwelling house, out houses and a potash. His house
was near where the office of Mr. Starr stands. This he occupied
until the fall of 1798. He then purcliased about three acres on the
corner made by the Cornwall and '.Yeybridge rpads. This lot was
a part of the premises of Appleton Foot, and had been purchased
the year before by Nehemiah Lawrence, who had put up on the
land and partly finished the house now owned by Professor Twining.
Rhodes finished the north part of the house for a residence, and the
south part for a store, where he continued his business for a time,
and in 1798 built a store on the lot where the Episcopal rectory
stands, and removed his business there. In 1801 Rhodes sold his
house to Ep. Jones, closed his business and left the State. He was

HliTJIiY OF MIDDLEDURY. 25S

the fut'ier of Holclcn llhodos, -who was educated at Middlebury
College, and became a lawyer of standing in Virginia, and of Mrs.
Chipman wife of Hon. George Chipman, now of the city of Wash-
ington.

The lot, which Rhodes purchased of Lawrence, extended north
and included the two house lots of Anion Wilcox, and the house lot
of Dr. Z. Bass. The southern of these lots was sold by Rhodes to
William Baker, for many years the principal mason in the village,
in 1801, who built the present house, the others to Ruluff and Ben-
jamin Lawrence. Benjamin Lawrence l)uilt the two houses now
occupied by Mr. Wilcox and Dr. Bass. Mr. Wilcox settled in Mid-
dlebury at an early day, and has been a successful manufacturer
and dealer in tin and copper v.are, and dealer in stoves and corres-
ponding articles.

Mr. Ep. Jones occupied the house, purchased of Rhodes, for a ten-
ement and store for several years, and moved to Lake Dunmore,
where he established his large glass factory, and when that exploded,
went to the west and established himself at New Albany, Indiana.

Ep. Miller in 1796 purchased the premises left by Anthony
Rhodes, on the east side of the creek, occupied the house built by
him, and established a tannery on the bank of the creek, which ho
carried on for many years. He afterwards built on the premises
the large brick house occupied by Mr. Wood, a large three sto-
ry building, which was removed to make room for the rail road
and the house under the hill lately owned by Dr. Brockway, now
by Mrs. Adaliu Lagro. He afterwards purchased the farm and
beautiful site where Mr, Chipman' s house was burnt, and erected
the brick house now owned by Mr. S. B. Rockwell. Here he re-
sided until his death in 1850, in his eightieth year.

Lewis and Joseph ]\IcDonald, from Litchfield, Conn., came to
Middlebury in 1793, and purchased the small lot, which John Dom-
ing had sold to George Sloan, and on the land now constituting Mr.
Seymour's garden, erected a gambrel roof building, which they
used for their store, while Lewis McDonald occupied the old house
for his residence. Hero they prosecuted a successful mercantile

business until 1801, Avhen they closed their business and divided
16

254 HISTORY or middlejjuey.

their property. In the meantime, they had purchased several pieces
of land, on the north side of the road running west from the
college, extending from the top of the hill westward and forming a
valuable farm. In the division of their property Joseph took this
farm, went into possession of the house, which had been before built
by Winant Williamson, on land purchased of him, and which is now
occupied by Abraham L Williamson. Here he prosecuted the
business of farming until 1828, When he returned to the village,
purchased the house and lot on Weybridge street, now owned by
Orin Abbey, and resided there until the time of his death in 1854
at the age of 84 years. About the year 1818, Lewis McDonald
returned to the village purchased the lot and house now owned by
Richard Southwell, on the Cornwall street, and resided there until
his death in 1839 at the age of 72 years.

Mr. Seymour purchased the lot, which had been the place of busi-
ness of Lewis and Joseph J^.IcDonald, and occupied the house for
the residence of his family. In 1816 and 1817. he replaced it by
the present large brick house, in which he afterwards resided until
his death. The old house at the time was removed to the lot next
south of the old Female Seminary building, and was for many years
the residence of Ozias Seymour, Esq.

Hon. Horatio Seymour, LL. D., was bom at Litchfield, Conn.,
May 31, 1778. He was the son of Major Moses Seymour and
Mrs. Mary [Marsh] Seymour. His father was a respectable citizen
of that place, was in the war of the Revolution, rei^resented the
town in the State Legislature, much of the time from 1795 to 1812,
and was town clerk for nearly forty years. The subject of this no-
tice pursued his studies preparatory to entering college, at New
Milford, under the tuition of his brother-in-law, Rev. Truman Marsh,
then located in that place. He was graduated at Yale College in
1797. The following year he spent as an assistant teacher in the
Academy at Cheshire, Conn.; the second he spent in the study of
law, at Judge Reeve's law school in Litchfield. In October 1799
he came to iSIiddlebury, and continued his professional studies in the
office of ilon. Daniel Chipman. In the spring of 1800, he was
licensed to practice law,and, in competition with several distinguished

♦

'W

..^

I.iProieher,ZTiA£os-tort .

oT^oyy^^^ <y^

mSTOllY OF MIDDLEBURY. 255

a,nd older lawyers, such as Daniel Chipman, Samuel Miller and
others, entered immediately into an extensive practice, and rose rap-
idly in general estimation, as a man and as a lawyer. He did not
seek to extend his practice to other counties, but in the County of
Addison, no other lawyer, we believe, ever had so extensive a busi-
ness^ or was engaged, at the same time, in so many causes in the
<liirerent courts. Wiiilc building his large and very expensive brick
house, in 1816 and 1817, he expressed to the writer of this notice,
liis regret to lay out so great an expenditure on a house, but stated,
as some alleviation, that his income during those two years was suf-
ficient to meet the expense. Notwithstanding his talents, which
Avere of a superior order, and his thorough knowledge of the law,
he was probably no little indebted for his success, to his great pop-
ularity as a man. His career as a lawyer was uninterrupted until
the spring of 1821.

In the meantime, in December 1800, the same year in which he
vras admitted to the bar, Mr. Seymour was appointed postmaster,
and continued in the ipfficq. for nine years, but, for much of the time,
on account of ttfc'pressufe of his professional business, lie commit-
ted the personal superintendence, with its income, to ot'^^r hands.
"When the Vermont State Bank was established at the session of the
legislature in 180G, he was chosen one of its first directors, and
continued in that office until the branch at Middlebury was closed.
In 1809, he was elected by the people a member of the Executive
Council, and was annually re-elected for the five following years.
In October 1820, he was elected, by the legislature, to the Senate
of the United States, the duties of the oifice to commence on the
4th of March, 1821. At the close of his first term he was re-elected
for a second. This of course was an interruption to his professional
pursuits. At the close of his second term in 1833, he returned to
the practice of law. This he continued until a few years since,
when his infirmities forced him to retire from it.

The corporation of Yale College, at the commencement in 1847,
the fiftieth anniversary of his graduation, conferred on him the
honorary degree of LL. D.

Mr. Seymour was constitutionally diffident and distrustful of him-

<

\

236 HISTOBY OP lIIDDLEBrRY.

self. So far from seeldng for office, we think he never accepted one
but >Yith reluctance and tlirough the solicitation of his friends.
Slanj years ago he stated to the -writer the following incident. At
the time of his graduation, the faculty of the college assigned him
an oration as a part of the public exercises. His diffidence forbade
his undertaking such an exhibition before such an audiance, and he
went to Dr. Dwight the president, of whom he always spoke with
high respect, and requested to be excused. The president urged
him with various encouragements and arguments to perform his part.
But all in vain. Mr. Seymour told him it would be impossible ;
that he could not go through with it ; and that, if he could not be
excused, he must take a dismission from college. At length the
Doctor consented to excuse him. This trait undoubtedly influenced
him in the discharge of his senatorial duties. lie did not feel
called, by a sense of duty, among so many distinguished senators,
so ready to speak, to make a display, which his distrust of himself
forbade. He was greatly respected for his sound but modest opinions,
and his influence, though silent and unobtrusive, was generally rec-
ognized in the senate. His intimate friends and associates were
among the most distinguished men connected with the government,
such as Adams, King, Clay, Webster and Ma rcy. But he did not
often make any formal address in the Senate. It was otherwise
when he acted in the capacity ot an advocate. The rights and inter-
ests of his clients had been intrusted to him, and he had engaged
/for their defence, and no personal feelings could justify his neglect.

/ In his addresses to the court or jury, he made no attempts at display,
but, in his quiet and modest way, poured forth a powerful and com-
prehensive argument, which his opposing counsel found it difficult

I to meet, and introduced points in the case, which had not occurred

\ to them. He had great ingenuity and tact in the management of

/ his causes.

As a politician, Mr. Seymour was a friend and supporter of the
administration of Mr. Jefierson and Mr. Madison. When party
lines were disturbed at the close of the war, and at the end of Mr.
Monroe's administration, several candidates were presented, reck-
oned as belonging to the same party, he advocated the election of

HISTORY OF illDDLEBURY. 257

Mr. Adams, nnd ndhered to what was known as his party, and wag
always a decided whig. But, in whatever party he was classed, ho
scrupulously adhered to the principles he had adopted, whatever
tempting advances were made to him to deviate from them. lie
would never be led into a measure which he thought wrong at the
bidding of his party. In the discharge of all his official duties, he
exhibited unusual impartiality, and lie has been known to oppose the
general wishes of his party, when they did not accord with his own
views of right.

Mr. Seymour was humble and unassuming, in all his positions
nnd intercourse among men. He made no claims to distinction on
account of his own standing. In his intercourse with all ranks of
men, he made all honest men his equals, and treated them as such.
He had great ingenuity and wisdom in accomplishing his purposes,
and when circumstances required, he could keep " his own council ;"
but he had a scrupulous regard to the rights of all, with whom ho
dealt; and had no forbearance for dishonesty or intrigue. By the
interest he expressed in the affairs of all, who needed his sympathy
or aid, and by his very courteous and kindly treatment of all, witii
whom he came in contact, in every form of association, he secured
not only the respect and confidence, but the personal friendship of
all. No man had fewer, if he had any, enemies, or more attached
personal friends.

Mr. Seymour was a patron of all our literary institutions, and for
many years was a member of the corporations of Middlebury College,
and Addison County Grammar School. He was elected a member of
the former in 1810. He united with the Episcopal Society at its
first organization, was for many years senior warden of the parish,
and had been a communicant in the church also for many years.

In the spring of 1800, Mr. Seymour was married to Miss Lucy
Case, a daughter of Jonah Case of Addison, and sister of Loyal
Case, Esq., an Attorney of Middlebury. She died in October
1838. Since her death he has remained unmarried.

For some time previous to his death, Mr. Seymour had been
slowly and rather prematurely declining with the infirmities of
advancing age, and died at his residence, at six o'clock Saturday

258 HISTORY OF MIDDLiajUllT.

evening, November 21, IS-IT, in the eighteitb year of his age. He
left to mourn his decease, three sons, Ozias Seymour Esq., an At-
torney of this village, JSIoses Seymour, Esq., of Geneva, V.'isconsin,
and Horatio Seymour, Esq , an attorney of Buffalo, N. Y., and
their children and the children of a deceased daughter, Mrs. Ennna
H. Battell, who had constituted a part of his famil3^ His sister
Mrs. Clarissa Marsh, widow of the late Eev. Truman ]\Iursh, the
oldest member of his father's family, survived at his death at the
a'^e of eighty-five years, in Litchfield Conn. The late Moses Sey-
mour .'ind Ozias Seymour of Litchfield, Henry Seymour of Utica,
N. Y. and Epaphro Seymour of Brattleboro Yt., were brothers of
Mr. Seymour.

Samuel Mattocks, Jun., in 1704, erected on the Dudley lot a
large house, with necessary out houses, and opened a tavern, which
he continued until 1804. Samuel Mattocks senior, on the same lot
and north of the tavern, erected a two story house called the " green
house," in which he resided until his death in 1804, in the sixty-
fifth year of his age. He also built on the Willard lot next north,
and in front of the house built by Dr. Willard, a double store, the
iipper story being made into a large hall, used by the masonic lodge.

In 1804 Nathan Eosseter from '^Villiamstown, Mass., purchased
the Mattocks' tavern house and continued the tavern. Mattocks
then removed his family to the " green house," and commenced and
continued for several years the mercantile business in the building
built by his father on the Willard lot. The tavern 'was owned and
kept successively by Nathan Rosseter, Loudon Case and Artemas
Nixon until 1812, when the latter leased it to Harvey Bell, who
continued it until his death in 1814, at the age of fifty-nine years.

Li 1816, the tavern house, green house, store, Willard house and
all the out houses connected with them were consumed by fire.
After this fire a tavern was opened in the brick house built by Ep.
Miller, and was kept by Samuel Mattocks, until the brick building
was erected on the old tavern stand by Nathan Wood in 1826. This
was opened as a public house in the spring of 1827, and was known
as the Vermont Hotel. Different tenants occupied this until 1852.
At the previous session, the legislature incorporated the " IMiddle-

I

IIIoTollY OJ' MIDDLi:i!URY. 2;3'.)

burj Hotel Company ;"' -who proscoJod to make extensive repairs
and alterations. It is now known as the "Addison House." It
has been kept successively bj George R. Orcutt and Edward Muz-
zey, and it is now under the superintendence of Richard Adams,
and George Adams, under the firm of Adams Brothers.

Samuel jMattocks,who built the first hotel on this ground, besides
the business mentioned, was sheriff of the county in 1813 and 1814,
and was an efficient and useful citizen. He died in 1823 at the
age of fifty-eight.

In 1817, after the destruction of the hotel and other buildings on
these grounds, Thomas Hagar Avho had retreated from Canada at
the commencement of the war, purchased the Willard lot and
erected the brick building, now owned by the bank, which he de-
signed and for some time used, as a store. In 1825, the whole of
these grounds became the property of Ilufus and Janathan V\'ain-
wright. The tavern lot they sold to Nathan Wood, and on the Wil-
lard lot they erected the large brick house, now the residence of
Joseplf Warner, Esq. It was designed for the residence of Jona-
than Wainwright, and by him occupied with his family until his death.

In the year 1700, William Young, a cabinet maker, came to the
village and purchased of Judge Painter the lot next north of the
lot purchased b>y Dr. iMatthevfS. He erected for his dwelling the
small house standing between the houses of Mrs. Simmons and Mrs.
Merrill. He also built a shop, in which he prosecuted his trade
until 1795. About this time Col. Nathaniel Ripley, from Wind-
ham, Conn., a carpenter, moved into the village, and in 1794 pur-
chased the lot next north ot Young's, which Y'oung the next year
purchased and added to his own.

In 1792, Festus Hill a carpenter purchased of Judge Painter
the corner lot now owned by Hon. Peter Starr. On this lot he built
the one story house, occupied successively by Dr. Hastings and Mr.
Starr, until the latter removed it to the lot cast of it and built his
present house.

Dr. Joseph Clark settled in the village, as a physician, in 1793,
and purchased of Judge Painter the lot on the corner formed by
the New Haven road and Seminary street. Here he built a small

260 HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY.

house, in wbicli he resided until 1796. He then removed to the
house he built on the lot purchased of Samuel Foot. In 1801, he
left the State and his family together.

Kuluff Lawrence, from Canaan, Conn , in 1796, purchased the
lot, -where Dr. Clark first settled, and established the blacksmith
business. lie was joined in a few months by his brother, Benjamin
Lawrence, and they continued their business with great success un-
til the year 180-1, when they closed it and divided their property.
In their division, RulufF took the lot above mentioned and built on
it the present two story house. He afterwards purchased of Daniel
Chipraan the land on the north side of Seminary street, then a part
of the farm formerly owned by Freeman Foot, on Avhich stands the
house occupied by Judge Tilden and that next east of it for many
years owned by Miss Jerusha Frisbie, and now by James M. Slade
Esq. The latter he built and occupied for a time, and afterwards
built the other, in which he also resided for several years. lie af-
terwards removed to the house now owned by Dr. Sidney Moody,
the front part of which he also built. Benjamin Lawrence, in the
division, took the lot, on Weybridge street, purchased of Anthony
Rhodes, and successively built and occupied the houses, which are
the residences of Amon Wilcox and Dr. Z. Bass. They afterwards
resumed the business of blacksmithing separately, and both are now
living at a very advanced age.*

Noble SteAvart and Ira Stewart, who had been in the mercantile
business in New Haven, having purchased of Buluff Lawrence the
house on the corner lot, and the store built by D. and W. Campbell,
removed their business to this village, and prosecuted it in that store.

Their father, mother and sister, resided with them, constituting
one family. For the purpose of bringing their business nearer the
the travelled way, they erected the brick store in front of the former
one. In the midst of a prosperous and active business. Noble Stew-
art, one of the partners, was seized with a violent fever, which ter-
minated his life in 1814, at the ago of thirty-seven.

Ira StCAvart, the surviving brother, continued the business as be-
fore for many years. John Stewart, the father, who had been a sol-

*Benjamin Lawrence has since, April 4, 1859, died, at the age of 86 years.

HISTORY OF MILDLEIiT-RY. 201

dier in the French and Revolutionary wars, died in 1829, in liis
eig]itj-fourth year, and ISlva. lluldah Stewart, the mother, in 1847,
at tlie age of 95 years. Hon. Ira Stewart, the surviving brother,
died in February 1855, at the age of seventy-five years, leaving his
aged sister, and his two sons, Dugald Stewart, County Clerk, and
John W. k^tewart, in the practice of law, the inheritors of his name
and estate. Miss Cynthia Stewart has since died, in March, 1857,
at the age of eighty-four. To Ira Stewart were committed various
responsible trusts in town, and twice he was elected to represent the
countv of the State Senate.

In 1819, he was elected a member of the corporation of Middlcbury
College, and continued in that position until his death ; and he was
appointed by that body to superintend the erection of the stone chapel
of that institution, Avhich service he executed with his usual sound
judgment. He was ever an active and devoted patron, friend and
supporter of the college and other educational institutions in the vil-
lage. As a man of conservative disposition and sound practical
judgment, he was always consulted, and aided in all plans for the
advancement of any public interests. He had been, for many years
an active and efficient member of the Consiresrational Church and
Society, and an exemplary Christian ; and in his last sickness and
death exhibited strikingly the consolations and triumphs of religion.

John Simmons Esq. purchased the two lots, next north of the
Matthews lot, originally "purchased and occupied by William Young,
and erected the two story dwelling house, and resided in it until his
death, and it is still occupied by his widow and family. Mr. Sim-
mons was from Ashford Conn., was educated at the college in Provi-
dence, Rhode Island, and licensed to practice law at the March term
of the county court for this county in 1801 ; and at the -same time
established himself in his profession in .this village. He was very
successful in his practice, and very respectable and useful as a citi-
zen. He was unassuming and rather diffident^ and did not appear
much as an advocate before the courts, but had an extensive practice
as attorney, counsellor and conveyancer. J.Ir. Simmons compiled
the first book of legal forms, ever published in the State, — "The

Law Magazine " — which v,as published by Huntington and Fitch
17

262 iirsTOiiY OF :.iidllt:bury.

in this place in 1804. Xo man possessed more fully the confidence
of the community as an honest, judicious and correct business man.
He was many years appointed select man, and to many other im-
portant trusts in town. He held the office of treasurer of Middle-
bury College from 1810 to the time of his death, and was ever for-
Avard as a patron and supporter of the College and the other educa-
tional institutions. He Avas also a regular supporter of religious
institutions in the Congregational Society, and in 1816 he became
a member of the church, and adorned his profession by an exempla-
ry life. He died in 1829 at the age of fifty-three years.

In May 1791. while the courts were sitting in Addison, and lit-
tle progress had been made in making a village in this place. Judge
Painter, in anticipation of bis purpose of making this the county
seat, deeded to the county a small tract of land, and in 179-4 anoth-
er piece. We refer to the account of Addison County, for a more
particular statement of the proceedings relating to the county prop-
erty and buildings. In the disposition of his lands, on the east side
of the creek, he accommodated all the building lots, so as to reserve
for the public what now constitutes the common, and vvas known by
that name, although not deeded by him until 1799.

At the time Judge Painter deeded to Benjamin Gorton in 1789,
the small piece adjoining the bridge, he also deeded to him another
piece twelve rods square, about five rods above the bridge, on the
bank of the creek, designed for a potash. The title of this lot, with
another small piece passed in 1798 to Samuel Clark Jun., Joseph
Plumb and Jonathan Lawrence, under the firm" of Clark, Lawrence
k Co., who added another small piece. On this lot they erected
the old building, which stood w^here James M. Slade & Co.'s store
stands. In this they opened a store, and with it connected the man-
ufacture of potash, and continued their business until 1802, when,
being unsuccessful, they closed the concern. This building remained
until after the railroad Avas completed, used by different persons and
for diflFerent purposes. It was theri removed and a building erected
by E. D. Barber and Lyman P. White, into which Slade & Co. re-
moved their mercantile business. The upper story was occupied by
Barber &: Bushnell and Linsley & Beckwith. as lawyers' offices.

HISTORY OF MIDDLECL'IOr, 263

On the 22J of February 1852, this building was burnt with near-
ly all its contents, including the libraries and offices, the whole of
the records and papers belonging to the Congregational Society, and
the whole of the records and files of the probate court from the com-
mencement. Soon after, Slade & Co. rebuilt the store, which is
noAV occupied by them, having in the upper story a large hall, for
lectures, concerts and other exhibitions.

In 1705, William Young removed to the lot now owned by Alan-
son Dustin, having previously purchased it of Freeman Foot. On
this he built the present dwelling house, and continued his business
as a cabinet maker. In the meantime, he received into partner-
■ ship his son-in-law, Gen. Hastings Warren, who had served his ap-
prenticeship under him. In 1805 the partnership was dissolved,
and Gen. Warren purchased the house, and continued the business ;
and Mr. Young removed to a farm in Leicester. He was among
the most respectable citizens, a prominent member of the Methodist
Society, and one of its founders. Gen. Warren had purchased of
Daniel Chipman a lot of land on the corner, now occupied by the
Methodist chapel. On this lot he erected his shop, which was burnt,
and soon after its successor was subjected to a similar destruction, with
much of their contents. Afterwards he erected for a shop the brick
building now occupied by James M. Slade, Esq,, as a dwelling house.
He also purchased afterwards of Mr. Chii)man the lot next north of
the above, and erected a dwelling house on the ground, where the cel-
lar remains. This house was also burnt in the winter of 1833-4.
Gen. Warren had been successful in his business and had accumu-
lated a handsome estate. In the meantime he directed his attention
to his farm and an extensive trafic between the north and the State
of Georgia, in which he met with occasional losses. These, with
his accumulated losses by fire, embarrassed him in the latter years
of his life. Having lost his wife and his family having scattered,
he spent the decline of his life with his son-in-law, William Y.
Ripley, in Rutland, and died there.

Hon. Daniel Chipman removed to Middlebury in 1794, and set-
tled in the practice of law. Ue selected for his future residence a
site on the southern point of the hill which bears his name, now

2G-i niSTORY OF MIDDLKBURT.

owned and occupied bj S. B. Eockwell Esq. It is generally es-
teemed the most elegant location in the village. Here he purchased
of Freeman Foot five acres, which before constituted a part of Foot's
farm. lie was then unmarried. After his marriage, he purchased
the lot next north of William Young's lot, which Freeman Foot had
before sold, and on which he had built a small house. The house
Mr. Chipman fitted up for a residence, and it has since been owned
and occupied successively by Mrs. Latimer, Calvin C. Waller and
Edward D. Barber, and is now owned by ISIiss Lucy Merritt. In
1802 and 1803 he erected on the lot first selected for his residence
his large house, in our estimation the most elegant building ever
ereted in Middlebury. It was designed and partly built by Samuel
D. Coe, an architect of fine taste, who died before its completion.
W^hile Mr. Chipman was attending the Legislature in the fall of
1818, this elegant mansion was wholly consumed by fire. He then
removed his family into the three story building on the opposite side
of the road, Avhich he had previously erected for a law school.

Hon. Daniel Chipman, LL. D., was born in Salisbury, Conn.,
October 22, 1765. He was one of six sons of Samuel Chipman,
then residing in that place. In 1775, the father removed with his
sons to Tinmouth in Rutland County. Daniel there labored on his
farm until November 1783, when he commenced his preparatory
studies with his brother Nathaniel, who was then in the practice of
law in Tinmouth. He entered Dartmouth Collesce at the com-
mencemcnt in 1784. Notwithstanding the short time he spent in
his preparatory studies, by his confirmed habit of industry and his en-
ergy, he graduated in 1788, with a standing among the first in his
class. He immediately commenced the study of law in the office of
his brother Nathaniel, and in September 1790 was admitted to the
bar, and opened an office in Rutland. He soon had an extensive
practice^ regularly attending all the courts in the counties of Rut-
land, Bennington, Addison and Chittenden. In 1793, three years
after he was licensed to practice law, he was chosen a delegate from
Rutland to the convention held at W^.indsor, ior amending the con-
stitution. In the year 1794 he icmosed to IMiddlebury, still con-
tinuing his practice in the counties above named. In 1796, lie was

I

Tj^a^-nH^^'-^'

niSTORY OF MIDDLEDURT. 265

married to Eleutlicria Hedge, daughter of Rev. Lemuel Kcdge, a min-
ister of Warwick, Mass., and sister of the late Levi Hedge, professor
in Harvard College, then residing 'with her mother in Windsor. In
1798 and two succeeding years, he represented Middleburj in the
General Assembly, and in several other years previous to 1808.
He was chosen that year a member of the council, under the old
constitution, and was annually elected to that body for several years.
He represented the town also in 1812, 1813 and 1814.

Li 1813 he was elected speaker, and was distinguished for his
promptness and decision. It was a time of high party excitement,
the two political parties. Federal and Democratic, being nearly equal.
The constitution provides, that '• at the opening of the General As-
sembly, there shall be a committee appointed out of the Council ;vnd
and Assembly, who, after being duly sworn to the faithful performance
of their trusts, shall proceed to sort and count the votes for governor
and declare the person who has a major part of the votes to be gov-
ernor for the year ensuing, and if there be no choice made, then the
Council and General Assembly, by their joint ballots, shall make
choice of a governor." Such committee had been appointed at this
session, and some time in the evening, having completed the canvass,
the Governor and Council came into the chamber of the House of
Representative to hear the report of the canvassing committee, and
agreeably to the uniform usage, on such occasions, the speaker re-
signed his chair to the governor, Avho was appointed chairman. The
canvassing committee reported that there was no choice of governor
by the people, and thereupon the committee of the two houses ad-
journed to an early hour the next day. On examination of the
constitution the next morning, Mr. Chipman was satisfied that the
report of the canvassing committee was conclusive ; that the two
houses had no power to canvass the votes, or to act on the subject,
otherwise than by a concurrent resolution to meet and elect a gov-
ernor by their joint ballots. He therefore considered it would be
highly improper, and indeed in violation of the constitution, for the
House of Representatives to join the governor and council, to decide
the question whether a governor had or had rot been elected by the
people. Having taken this vicv,- of the subject, he at once decided

266 HISTOP.Y OF MIDDLE DURY.

on the course to be pursued : that be •would not resign the speak-
er's chair to the governor, v.lien he and the Council shall enter the
House, but retain it and continue to preside, and preserve order in
the House, leaving the governor to preside in tlie Council. Ac-
cordingly, when the Governor and Council came in, he retained the
speaker's chair, seating the Governor at his right. This was so un-
expected, that there was profound silence for several minutes. At
lenn-th a member of the House arose and addressed the chairman.
The speaker called him to order, saying if he had a motion to make,
lie must address the speaker. Several other members made the
same attempt, luit were immediately put down by the speaker. A
member of the council then addressed the chairman; upon which
the governor, turning to the speaker, observed, "there seems to bo
great confusion." '• There is indeed," said the speaker, '• but your
excellency may rest assured that the most perfect order will be pre-
served in the House, over which I have the honor to preside."' At
length the Governor and Council, finding that the House of Repre-
sentatives would not act Avith them, retired, and the two houses af-
terwards met by concurrent resolution, and elected a governor by
their joint ballots.

This incident in the life of Mr. Chipman, which produced some
excitement at the time, we have copied fi'om an account given by
himself, not only because it is an illustration of his character, but
because it is an event connected with the political history of the
State.

In the year 1814, Mr. Chipman was again elected Speaker of the
House, and the same year was elected a representative to Congress.
He attended the first session, but, by reason of ill health, was unable
to attend to his duties a great portion of the time, and, during the
next session, was confined at home by sickness. The year following
his health Avas so far restored, that he again resumed the practice of
law, and in the years 1818 and 1821 represented the tovfn in the
legislature.

In the year 1822, he published an essay on contracts for specific
articles. It was highly commended by Judge Story, Chancellor
Kent and other eminent jurists, met with an extensive sale, and

ItrSTOllY or IdlhbLEliVlXY. 2C7

added much to his reputation as a lawyer and schohar. In the pro-
face to this Avork, he urged the importance of having the decisions
of the Supreme Court reported. At the next session of the legis-
hxture, in the year 1823, an act was passed providing for the ap-
])ointment of a reporter, and he was appointed to that office. Hav-
ing published one volume of repojls, ill health compelled him to
i-esign it. '

In the preface to this volume, he urged the importance of divid-
ing the legislature into two branches, by constituting a Senate.
Tiie Council of Censors having recommended this among other
amendments, a convention was called for the purpose of considering
it. In the- meantime Mr. Chipman had retired from public life,
and invested considei-able property, and l)uilt him a large house in
a pleasant location in Pupton, and had fi>:ed his residence in the re-
freshing and salul)rious atmosphere of that place. Such was his
anxiety to have this amendment adopted, that he yielded to the so-
licitations of his neighbors and accepted the appointment of dele-
gate to the convention, held in Jauuaay 183G, from that town. Mr.
Chipman took a conspicuous part in the able and animated debate
on that subject, and the amendment was adopted by a small majority.

In 1816, Islv. Chipman published llie life of his brother,
" lion. Nathaniel Chipman LL. D., formerly member of the L'nitcd
States Senate, and Chief Justice of the State of Vermont." Ho
afterwards published several smaller works. " Memoirs of Col. Seth
AVarner " and "of Thomas Chittenden, first Governor of Vermont,
with a history of the constitution during his administration," which
are valuable publications.

In 1850, Mr. Chipman was elected delegate to the constitutional
convention of that year, and there made his last appearance in any
pulic capacity. The journey to INIontpelier proved too much for his
advanced age and feeble health. While in attendance upon the con-
vention he Avas attacked Avitli sickness, from Avhich he never recov-
ered. He reached his home in Ripton in a feeble condition, and
died on the 28d of April 1850, in the eighty-fifth year of his age.

The preceding history furnishes probably sufficient information
of the character and standing of Mr. Chipman. 'vVe doubt whether

2GS ^ HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY.

there is, or ever has been, another man so familiarly acquainted
■with the early history and interests of the State. From childhood,
he was in the company and under the influence of his brother.
Judge Cliipman. with a discernment capable of comprehending and
appreciating every measure adopted. His perception of truth was
quick and discriminating. He was a plain man in his dress and
address, but courteous in his manners. His addresses at the bar
and in public assemblies, as well as in private conversation, were
in eloquent from the power of his argument and the weight of his
the opinions, rather than from any polished oratory. jNlr. (. hipman
every position, was devoted to the interests of the town, and among
the projectors and founders of our educational establishments. He was
especially a liberal contributor and supporter of the college, and a
member of its corporation from its beginning. In 1849 the corpo-
ration of Middlebury College conferred on him the honorary degree
of LL. D.

Mr. Chipman was by conviction an Episcopalian. But before an
Episcopal Society was established here, he contributed liberally to
the support of the Congregational Society, and for the erection of
their church.

The reader Avill, we trust, excuse the introduction here, as illus-
trating the character of Mr. Chipman, of a merely personal matter.
When about his twenty-first birth-daj', the writer closed, as penni-
less as he commenced, two years of severe labor as tutor in college,
which he wished to have counted as two years in the study of law,
Mr. and Mrs. Chipman received him into their fomily, treated him
as one of its members, and furnished a convenient room for the pros-
ecution of his studies. On being admitted to the bar in 1804, Mr.
Chipman received him into partnership, on equal terms in all the
courts to which he was admitted. In th'.s position he spent the only
six years of his professional life.

Several lots, on the north side of Seminary Street, from Free-
man Foot's farm, and sold by him before he sold it to Mr. Chipman,
were settled at an early day. An acre lot next west of Mr. Chip-
man's house lot was purchased by Nathaniel Bishop from Attle-
borough Mass., on which James Sawyer had previously resided in a

iilSTOllY or MIDDLEaUKY. L'01>

small house. The lot was afterwards divided into two lots,
which have been successively owned by different persons. On the
front of the east half stands the brick district school house. The
west half, with that part of the east which lies back of the school
house, is owned by Harry Langworthy, a merchant doing business
in Nichols' building, at the south end of the bridge. In 1798,
Bcla Sawy#, for many j-ears a carpenter in the village, purchased
the lot now owned by Myron Langworthy, of the fmn of J. M.
Slade & Co. Sawyer built and resided in a one story house, to
Avhich Langworthy has added a second story. The lot between this
and the Bishop lot was purchased by Col. Nathaniel Kiplcy from
Windham, Conn. The lot is now owned by Richard Cottrell of
Plattsbui-gh. Ripley built the present house, and resided in it many
years. He afterwards resided for a few years on a farm in
Weybridge, and afterwards in a house on the farm of his son,
AVilliam Y. Ripley, in the south part of the town, and died there
in 1842 at the age of eighty years. In 1798, James Sa^vyer, a
joiner and carpenter, and father of Bela Sawyer, purchased an acre
lot next west of Bela Sawyer's. On the west half, he built a small
house and resided in it for several years. The east half was sold
])y him to Abijah Hurd, who built a house on it. which was occu-
pied for some years by his brother Hinman Hurd. The lot Avas for
many years owned by Islr. Samuel B. Bent, who built the present
house and other buildings.*^ Mr. Bent was from Rutland, Worces-
ter County, Mass., and a manufacturer of cards. This business he
prosecuted here until his death, adding from time to time new ma-
chinery with late jmpro\;;.i;oiits. He died suddenly of enlargement
of the heart, December 4, 1857, much respected as an honest, up-
right citizen and exemplary christian, a.ged 73 years. The other half
of this lot was for some years owned by Timothy C. Strong, a printer,
who built the present house and resided in it. It has since been
owned by Dr. Merrill in his lifetime, and occupied, as a residence
for his family, by Mr. Z. Bcckwith, who has long been known among
us as a merchant. It is now owned by Dr. Hiram Meeker.

*Mr. Harry Langworthy has recently purchased this house and fitted it up hv
his own residence.

18

I

270 HISTORY OF MIDDLEBUPwY.

After Mr. Chipman became the owner of the Foot farm, the lots'
now occupied by Dca. Ehner, Mr. Ansel J). Stearns the painter,
and Mr. Garner, on the Nev/ ilaven roatl. were early purchased and
have been since occupied by different families. Until the year 1814,
the land between Dea. Elmer's and the Methodist Chapel lot, was
a smooth meadow, where we have seen a general training. In that
year, Mr. Chipman opened a road through the vacant l||k and offered
building lots for sale. The writer of this history purchased the
north half, and that year and the following he erected his present
dwelling house. And here, in 1817, he commenced the interesting
business of housekeeping, with his own family, and here he hopes
to end it, when death shall remove him from his earthly relations.

HISToRY OF MIDDLECURY. 271

CHAPTER XL

O. BREWSTi'R — ASA FRANCIS — J. FULLER — H. BELL — L. CASE —
P.* DA VIS — J. HENSIIAW — L. HOOKER — W. BLADE — E. HAWLEY
— CAPT. YOUNG — D. DICKERSON — D. PAGE — G. PAINTER.

We proceed now to further settlements under purchases from
Judge Painter. In 1795. Oliver Brewster, a tailor, purchased the
lot ne.xt north of Festus Hill's, on which he built the present house
and resided in it until he left the state. Capt. Jonathan M. Young
became the owner of the lot in 1805, and resided on it many years.
When he came to this place in 1804, he engaged in the mercantile
business with Adonijah Schuyler, under the firm of Young and
Schuyler. lie was afterwards OAvner of the Appleton Foot grist
mill, deputy sheriff of the county and constable of the town. At
the commencement of the war of 1812, he received a commission
of lieutenant in the regular service.' He died in ]March^ 1854. at
the age of eighty-two.

In 1835. Asa Francis, Esq., formerly from Hartford, Conn., pur-
chased this lot, and occupied it for the residence of his family, until
within a few years he removed to the house next north of Dr. Lab-
aree's, where he still resides. He had been extensively and suc-
cessfully engaged in mercantile business. He some yciii-s since re-
tired from it, and established his son, Parkhurst Francis, in the
same business, first in !Middlebury and since in Illinois. The lot
which he left is now owned by Jaijies Negus, in business as a mer-
chant tailor.

In 1795. Capt. Josiah Fuller purchased the lot, now occupied by
the family of William JMorton,* on the west side of Pleasant street,
and running to the creek, on which he built a small house, and es-

*.\lr Morton died April 30, l&GG. aged 65 years.

^*-

2 HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY.

tablislied Lis tannery on the bank of the creek. Fuller the next
year purchased the lot on the opposite side of the street, next north
of Oliver Brewster's. On this lot, in 1801. he built the present
house. It is now — greatly remodeled and repaired — the residence
of Rev. Benjamin Labaree, 1). D., president of the college. It
was also the residence of Rev. Joshua Bates, D. D., while in
that office.

Philip Davis from Rockingham, also a tanner, in 180G purchased
both these lots, established a tannery and built the present house on
the creek lot, and resided in it several -years.

Thomas Archibald, in 1796, bought the lot i^ext south of Fuller's
creek lot, and built the present house. It was the first residence
of the family of Hon. Peter Starr, and is now the residence of Mr.
David Piper, a carpenter and joiner.

The lot in possession of Mrs. Bell, widow of the late Ilarvey
Bell, Esq., was first purchased by President Atwater, and by him
sold in 1808 to Dr. EdAvard Tudor. There was then a small shanty
on the lot. But the house now standing on it was built by Dr.
Tudor, and occupied by him with his family for many years. He
afterwards removed to the house, where he resided until the time of
his death, next north of the Catholic church. The house left by
Dr. Tudor was purchased by Mr. Bell in 1818, and was the resi-
dence of his family until his death in 1848, at the age of fifty-sev-
en years, and is still the residence of his family.

Harvey Bell, Esq. w\as the son of Harvey Bell, mentioned else-
where. He Avas graduated at Middlebury College in 1809, studied
law, in part with John Simmons, Esq., his brother-in-law, and partly
at the law school in Litchfield Conn., and was licensed in 1812.
He commenced practice in partnership with Mr. Simmons, but con-
tinued it afterwards separately as an attorney and advocate. In the
later years of his life he was the editor and publisher of the Ver-
mont Galaxy. He was one of the first members elected to the state
senate in 1836, after the establishment of that branch of the legis-
lature, by the amendment of the constitution of that year. He was
also a member in 1837, and Avas among the prominent members of
that body. He was Secretary of the Corporation of Middlebury

niSTOllY or MIDDLEIiURT. 273

Collo;,'e from 182C to 18-43, and was always prompt in aitling and
supporting that and our other educational institutions. lie was also a
liberal supporter of religious institutions, and was a member of the
Congregational Church from 1835.

Joshua Ilcnshaw first settled, as before stated, on the form now -^
owned by Silas Piper and his son. In the year 1800 he purchased
the lot, now constituting the rail road depot grounds, and built the
large house standing there. To this he removed his family and re-
sided in it until he removed to Canada. The house has since been
the residence successively of Professor Hall, Professor Fowler and
Joseph Warner, Es(p, and is now occupied by Professor Robbins.

Levi Hooker came to Middlebury about the year 1801, with a
large stock of merchandize, and in 1803 purchased the lot, now the
residence of Asa Francis, Esq., on Pleasant Street, nnd for many
years previously occupied by Cyrus Birge, Esq., and built there the
present house. He also built successively three stores on the ground
on which the four stores of Jason Davenport stand. The three up-
per stores Mr. Davenport built since the construction of the rail
road, which altered the position of the ground, and raised the trav-
elled way above the foundation of the former buildings. Mr. Hook-
er was largely engaged in the mercantile business for a few years, and
afterwards occupied himself with various other pursuits, and removed
many years ago to the State of New York. INIr. Birge, mentioned
above, was also for several years in the successful prosecution of the
mercantile business. He resides now in the citv of Washinirton.

Loyal Case, Esq., in 1803, purchased the lot next south of Pain-
ter's house lot, now belonging to the estate of Austin Johnson, and
occupied by Rev. James T. Hyde. He built the present dwelling
house, and resided in it until his death. IMr, Case had been ad-
mitted to the practice of law in September, 1797. He had studied
law with Hon. Daniel Chipman, and after his license, entered into
partnership with that gentleman. In 1804 the partnership was dis-
solved, and he continued the practice separately. From that time
until his death, he was annually appointed State's Attorney for the
county. He was a man of ardent temperament, and of a kind, be-
nevolent disposition, easily kindled at every appearance of injustice

2T4 HISTOIIY OF MTr;IyLi:BrRY.

or oppression, and at this day would have l^een a prominent reformer.
He became a very ardent and popular advocate, and Avas increasing
in popularity. Hon. Horatio Seymour related to us the following
characteristic anecdote. A fugitive slave was overtaken and arrest-
ed at Shoreham, and a time appointed for the trial. jNIr. Seymour
was employed as counsel for the owner, and ]Mr. Case for the fugi-
tive. They started together on horseback for the place of trial.
Case remonstrated with his companion, who was also his brother-in-
law, against his engaging in so unrighteous a business as defending
slavery. Mr. Sejmiour justified himself v/ith the argument, that it
was his duty to vindicate the legal rights of all persons, and see that
the laws Avere duly executed. This did not satisfy Mr. Case, who
continued his remonstrance, advised him to return, and assured him
that if he went on such an errand, some judgment would come upon
hiiA from Heaven. Wliile passing through Cornwall, Mr. Seymour
was seized with a violent cholic, which was so painful as to arrest his
progress, and force him to stop and return without attending the court.

The career of Mr. Case was svuldcnly arrested, on the 13th of
October, 1808, by his death at the age of thirty two.

Cyrus Brewster, at an early day settled on the lot, between Mrs.
Simmons' house lot, and the Stewart lot, and in 1803 it was pur-
chased by Joseph Dorrance, a hatter, who built the present dwelling
house. The lot was owned by, and was the residence of, the late
Hon. William Slade, and is now occupied by his widow.

Hon. William Slade, whom we have thus incidentally mentioned,
has passed from among the living, since this work was Avritten ; but
we deem it improper to send jt to the press without some further
notice of him, as among our distinguished citizens. He was the
son of William Slade, Esq., of Cornwall, who was sheriff of the
county for ten successive years, from 1801 to 1810 ; and was born
at Cornwall, jMay 9, 1780. He was graduated at Middlebury Col-
lege in 1807, having maintained a prominent standing in his class,
and immediately entered upon the study of law in the office of Judge
Doolittle. He was admitted to practice at the August term of the
County Court in 1810, and immediately opened an office in this vil-

'AiiAA.^':

/lO /JA^^'

PUBLIC I'LifUixxY

AS7CR, i.r,*ip;;t.

rilSTORY OF .MIDDLEUUKY. 2^^

lago. lie continuc<l to practico with increasing reputation, especially
as an advocate, until 1814.

As a politician INIr. Sladc was of the school of Jeflerson and ^lad-
ison. In consequence of the measures, adopted by these adminis-
trations, in resistance of the encroachments of the British and Frencli
nations, who were engaged in an exterminating war. and followed by
our own war in 181-, party politics raged to an extent never since
known. A majority of the people of this state had given in their
adhesion to the Democratic party, at the commencement of Mr. Jef-
ferson's administration. But the parties Avere so nearly equal, that
the Federalists obtained the ascendenc}^ for two years, during the
war. The struggle between the parties was arduous and exciting.
Mr. Sladc entered with his whole soul into the conflict, and became
an active and influential partisan. He addressed with zeal and ef-
fect all political assemblages, and wrote much, in enforcing and vin-
dicating his political views. On account of his popularity as a wri-
ter and puldic speaker, he became an acknowledged leader. The
Democratic party, in the fall of 1813, had established a paper, called
the Columbian Patriot ; but the editor Avho had been employed not
proving satisfactory, he was dismissed ; and Mr. Slade, early in
1814, gave up his profession and became the editor, — a business
which was congenial to his talents and temperament. lie also es-
tablished an extensive book store and printing office, and published
several books. This business did not prove successful, and was con-
tinued only two or three years. But he occupied so prominent a
position in his party, that his friends were ready to give him any
office which might be vacant. Accordingly he was elected Secretary
of State, successively from 1815 to 1822 ; Assistant Judge of Ad-
dison County Court, from 181G to 1821 ; Clerk of the Supreme
Court for the county from 1819 to 1823. After the failure of his
printing and publishing business, the offices, Avhich he held at home
in 1823, did not satisfy his pecuniary Avants, and he took the office
of clerk in the Department of State at Washington in 1824. Af-
ter the disorganization of the political parties, at the close of the
war and during the administration of Mr, ^Monroe, and when the
election of a successor approached, towards the close of his admin-

27G HiSTOHY or :jil>dlebury.

istration, Mr. Slade attached himself to the party of John Quincy
Adams, in opposition to Gen. Jackson, as did most of the people of
Vermont, "\^'hen the latter came into office in 1829, and^Mr. Van
Buren had charge of the department of State, Mr. Sladc Avas re-
moved, in a manner -which Avas not relished by the freemen of Ver-
mont, as they were prepared to manifest at the first opportunity.
He then returned to ]MiddIebury, and resumed the? profession of law.
and in 1830 -was appointed State's Attorney for the count}-. On
the first vacancy in 1831 he was elected a representative in Con-
gress. In this office he continued until 1843. The year following
lie officiated as reporter of the decisions of the Supreme Court, and
in 1844, he Avas elected Governor of Vermont, and continued in
that office two years.

Since that time to the close of his life, Governor Slade has been
employed as Corresponding Secretary and General Agent of the
Board of National Popular Education. The object of this institu-
tion has been to collect in the Eastern States, and send to destitute
places at the west, pious and competent female teacliers. For this
work Gov.Slade was, by his talents and temperament, peculiarly well
adapted ; and has, we believe, accomplished as much good as in any
other of his labors. On him has devolved the whole business of
looking up the teachers, and the destitutions where they Avere needed,
as Avell as of raising the requisite funds. The teachers, before they
were sent, were collected together at Hartford, and for several weeks,
placed under the examination and instruction of experienced female
educators, and were afterwards conducted by the agent to the Avest
and located in their appointed places. Two classes Avere sent annu-
ally Avliile his health Avas sufficient ; Imt, for one or tAvo years since,
only one, and the last year, Ave believe, none. Four hundred and
eighty-one teachers have been sent out under his direction, besides
109 sent out by a Ladies' Society in Boston, Avhich has since become
auxiliary. To this service Gov. SUde zealously dcA^oted all his
time and energy. It required extensive correspondence in its A'ari-
ous departments, numerous journies and frequent public addresses.

Gov. Slade Avas characterized by persevering industry, and by a
sensitive and ardent temperament, which Avcre manifest in all his

lllalUltV 01 MllJiil.KlJLlir. L'TT

enterprises. They were cxhibitod in his j^olitical mcrvements. and

in all enterprises. "which he thouglit tended to promote the reformation

of society. They were exhibited no less in his religious character.

When a member of college in 1806. he consecrated himself to the

service of relif^ion, and united himself to the cono're^'ational chui-ch

in Cornwall, his native place, and afterwards transferred his connec-

■ tion to the Coni^rciiational Church in Middleburv. He noAvhere, —

w in Congress or elsewhere. — concealed his profession as a Christian ;

* and his religious character was prominent on all occasions. And

when he became conscious of his approaching exchange of Avorlds,

his religion fullj^ sustained him, and he descended to the grave with

entire resignation, and with uninterrupted peace and triumph.

Gov. Slade was accustomed to public speaking, and v.riting on
every subject which interested him ; which he continued, to fill up
jiis unoccupied lime, as long as his strength permitted. While very
feeble, he continued writing fur newspapers and otherwise, and
delivered several lectures before educational ■ associations. In the
■ latter years of his life, his writing had p)-incipal reference to relig-
ious and educational subjects. His style of writing and speaking
was characterized by simplicity and directness, Avhich enabled his
readers or hearers easily to understand and appreciate his arguments.

iAnd, in other respects his style was more pure and classical than is
common with public speakers and writers. Several of his speeches
in Congress were published, and were read with interest by many.
He published in 1823, '• Vermont State Papers," a collection of
unpublished documents illu.strating the history of Vermont ; in 1825
a compilation of the Statutes of Vermont ; in 1844 the 15 volume
of the A'ermont Reports. He also published several pamphlets,
including his annual reports as agent of the Board of Popular
Education.

For several years before his death, the health of Gov. Slade was
feeble and failing, and for the last month or two, he declined fast.
His death occurred on Sunday night, January 16, 1859, in his
Tod vear.

Gov. Slade was married February 5 1810, to Abigail Foot,

daughter of Appleton Foot, awd grand dnuLdilcr of Priniol Foot, who

19

278 HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY.

were among the earliest settlers, and are mentioned elsewhere. She
survives to mourn the loss of her husband, with three sons, Hon.
James M. Slade, late Lieutenant Governor, Hon. William Slade of
Cleveland, Ohio, Senator in the legislature of that State, and Henry
M. Slade Esq.. of St Paul, Minnesota.

In 1 796 Erastus Hawle j. a saddler and harness maker, purchased
a half acre lot on the corner next north of the brick buildino; owned
by the late Rufus Wainwright. He built here a two story dwelling
house, which has since been removed to the lot next north of Moore's
hotel, and was owned and occupied as a residence by Nahum Par-
ker, Esq., for many years until recently, who owns also' the shop
on the opposite side of the street, where he prosecuted the business
of a cabinet maker. He has recently retired from active personal
labor. The house has recently been purchased by ]Mr. L. Rock-
wood, who has established himself in the mercantile business.

Mr. Hawley also built a shop south of his house, for the prose-
cution of his business. In this place Mr. Ilawley resided and in
company v^^ith Gapt. Justus Foot, under the firm of Hawley and
Foot, prosecuted the saddling business. He afterwards sold the lot
to Wightman and Asa Chapman, Avho removed the dwelling house
and converted the shop into a store for merchandize. After the dis-
solution of their partnership, the business was prosecuted by Asa
Chapman separately. The store has within a few years been fitted
up for a dwelling house, and has been occupied by Mrs. Smitli, but
recently ]Mr. Chapman has taken possession of it for his- own
residence.

Mr. Ilawley afterwards built the house on the lot next east of
his former lot This lot was many years occupied by Hon. Joel
Doolittle, as a residence ; and since bis death was purchased and
fitted up by Mrs. ^Vainwright, widow of Jonathan Wainwright, and
is now owned by Jacob W. Conroe Esq., and occupied for the resi-
dence of his family.

Hon. Joel Doolittle, whose name is mentioned above, was gradu-
ated at Yale College in 1799, and came to Middlebury in the fall
of 1800, as the first tutor of Middlebury College. He was admitted
td the bai- in IS 01. He coutinue<l in the practice extensively,

/C

FU

-1 '

IlLDKH kOOm '

HISTORY OF MIlJbLEBURY. 279

•ns counsellor and advocate, until 1817, when he was elected a judge
of the Supreme Court, to whicli oHice he was elected successively
for the four following years, and again in 1824. He was also a
member of the old Council for three years commencing in 1815,
and a representative of the town in 1824. In 1834 he was chosen
a member of the Council of Censors, of which body he was chosen
and officiated as President.

In 1819, he was elected a meml)er of the corporation of iMiddle-
bury College, and continued in tliat station until his death. He
was always a friend and patron of that and our other educational
institutions. He became a communicant in St. Peter's Church, at
its first organization, and continued an exemplary and devoted mem-
ber, exhibiting the influence of Christian principle through life.
He was studious as a lawyer, and was faithful in his preparation,
and in the discharge of his duties to his clients, as well as in the dis-
charge of the higher trusts committed to him by the public. After
he left the bench of the Supreme Court, he continued the practice
of law, mere or less, as his health permitted. Pie dietl in March,
1841, at the age of sixty-eight. Mrs. Doolittle has since resided
in Painesville, Ohio, where she has the society of several of her
children, and among them John T. Doolittle, Esq., an attorney at
law, and IMark R. Doolittle, Esq., editor of the Painesville Com-
mercial Adv^ertiser.

After Mr. Ilawley removed from town, the saddling business was
carried on by Capt. Foot. In the meantime, in 1811, Foot had
purchased the old jail house and removed it to the lot east of the
hotel, and fitted it up for the residence of his family, and resided
in it until the time of his death in 1835, at the age of forty-nine.
It is now owned by Calvin Hill, a successor of Capt. Foot in the
saddling business, who has recently been forced by ill health to re-
tire from it. Mr. Hill also built on the same lot the house until
lately in the possession of Mr. Z. Beckwith as a residence, and now
occupied by Mr. W. H. Remsou.

Capt. Foot, in order to provide himself with a shop for his busi-
ness, united with Hon. Daniel Chipman, wdio wanted an ofiice, and
the Masonic lodge, who wanted a room for their meetings, and they

280 HI,-;]()UV 01'' .MIDDLKIM Uf.

erected the brick building next south of the ILnvley lot. This
laiilding was afterwards owned liy the late Eufus Wainwright, and
since by his son-in-law, Julias A. Beckwith, who had rooms
in it for his office, which, since his death, are occupied by his broth-
or-iii-law, Itufus Wainwright, Esq., as ihis office, as an attorney.
The County Clerk also has his office in it, and the lower rooms are
occupied by a saddler, and by Mr. Rockwood for his store.

In 1804, David Dickinson erected^ on a small piece of gi-oundon
the upper side and north end of the bridge, the present building
nearest the creek. He afterwards erected the building adjoining it
on the north. In the former building and other places, Dickinson
was engaged for many years, in the mercantile business. Both these
buildings have been rented to different persons for stores and shops
Dr. Sidney Moody has for many j'ears, occupied his present location
for his drug and gi'occry store. In the principal room of the build-
ing, Mr, Zecheriah Beckwith, many years ago opened an auction
and commission store, and his business, as dealer in genei'al mer-
chandise, was there extended and prosecuted longer than that of
any other occupant. Since the erection of Davenport's block, he
occupies a room in that building with a still greater enlargement of
his business. In the other building, one room was occupied from
the time of its erection, by Mr. Joseph Dyar for his jeweler's shop,
until his death. He resided in the house, on Seminary Street,
built by William Baker, now owned by Mr. Solomon Parker.
"While he was going from his shop to his house, a pair of horses
harnessed to a sled, standing at a neighboring store, were started by
the whistle of a rail-road engine, ran furiously over him and so
fatally injured him, that he expired a day or two after, on the 22d
of February 1851, at the age of fifty-six years. Mr. Alonzo Dus-
tiu occupied a room in the same building from the same period, as
a harbor's shop, and within a few years has given up that business,
and been succeeded by others in th& same room.

While Capt, Young owned the first of these building, he erected
the building in the rear of it, and extending further over the creek.
The rooms below the level of the bridge have been generally used
for confectionary, provision and refreshment shops, and the whole

llISToKY of Mll»l'I.J:i:li;V. liSl

ait now occupied hy Mr. Shaw, for that uso. The rooms ahovo it
Avcre, for many years, occupied by Dca. Harvey Wilcox, for iho
manufacture of boots and shoes. He has also removed to Daven-
port's new building, and has extensively enlarged his business.

About the year 1801, Samuel D. Coc, the architect mentioned
elsewhere, purchased the lot on the corner east of the old stone jail.
It was sonie^'cars after sold by his heirs, '.md in 1815, was purchased
by Dr. Elisha Erewster. There -was a small hou.^c on tlie lot, to
Avhich Dr. Brewster added a two storv front, which was his familv
residence while he lived, and m now the; residence of his widow.
He came to Middlebury from Hartford, Conn., a young man, just
from his apprenticeship, and entered into partnersliip with Dr. Wil-
liam (t. Hooker in the druggist business, in the lar^e centre store
built by Levi Hooker, on the ground occupied l)y Davenport's
block. Df. Hooker had commenced 1)usiness in that store as early
as 1804. After he removed to his flirin he surrendered it to Dr.
]>rcwster, who continued it for some years in tlie same place. Not
many years before his death. Dr. Brewster erected on the north side
of the common, the brick building, with the wooden addition at the
east end, lately occupied for the j^ost-oilice, now known as Brew-
ster's block. To this building he removed his business. He died
in July 1838, at the age of forty-seven. Dr. Brewster was a prom-
inet citizen, and an active and useful member and deacon of the
congregational churchy and a liberal patron, by his labor and con-
tributions, of all religious and other useful institutions. From 1834
to 1836 inclusive, he represented the town in the legislature.

Daniel L. Potter removed hi^ family from Litchfield, Conn., to
this village in 1811, and in 1817 purchased the lot on the south side
on the street leading eastwardly Irora the court house, which Ben-
jamin James, a Cooper, in 1813 had purchased of Judge Painter,
and on which he had built a small house. Mr. Potter erected tho
present upright front, and has since occupied it as a residence for
his family. Ho fii'st engaged in the tailoring business, which he
prosecuted for several years with success ; but finding it injurious
to his health, ho has since directed his attention to farming. He
had boon a member of Dr, Beechor's Church in Litchfield, and im-

282 HIST HY OF Mir)m.l.I:l;l'.T.

mediately united with the Congregational C hurch here ; of \vhieii
he was an exemplary and active member. But he was most distin-
guished as a free mason. He had risen to the highest grade in that
institution ; had been employed in delivering lectures to masonic
lodges in many parts of the Mate ; and had for several years been
Grand Master of the Grand Encampment of the Knights Templars
of the State, and had the rank of Past Grand Commander at the
time of his death. He died of a disease of the heart, June 8, 1859,
at the age of 69 years. His funeral was on the 11th of June,
when he Avas buried with masonic honors and ceremonies, attended
by a very long procession of masons.

The first lot, on the street leading south from the court house,
was purchased by David Wells, a blacksmith, who about the year
1808, built the dwelling house and shop, on the lot next south of
Capt. Allen's. He continued the prosecution of his trade at this
place until his death, which occurred in 1825, at the age of forty-
seven. The premises belong to the heirs of Mrs. Wells.

As early as 1810 or 1811, Paul Reed, from New Haven, on the
lot on the east side of that street, erected the large house vrhich ho
opened for a tavern, and which is now used for the same purpose by
IJarry Moore. Mr. Reed died in 1836, when seventy years of age.

Capt. Ira Allen, from Lebanon, N. H., having just closed his
apprenticeship with Col. Howe, of Shoreham, purchased the lot on
the Avest side of the same street, whei-e he still resides, and in 1814
erected his shop, and commenced the prosecution of his trade, as a
waffiron and carriage 7«aker, and soon after erected his house, in
which he has since resided with his family.

In the fall of 1807, David Page, Jun., purchased twelve acres
on the corner formed by the road last mentioned, and the street run-
ning into it from Pleasant Street, and extending to the creek. He
*then opened a road running north and south, between this lot and
the depot ground, and thence west to the creek. On this lot he first
built the house now owned and occupied by Cyrus Morton, long
known as a carpenter and joiner in the village. Mr. Page resided
in this several years, and built a two story house where Mr. Asa
Chapman's present dwelling house stands. This house was burnt,

/

?u.

T2X;.

I

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"'■'^^

"^-Ay

■*4.

"^m...

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.^••^■

32'

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^k^U^ (^a^^i^-i^n^^^Z^

tiisioKY or .^rlDl LllIJL'RY. 28o

Aiiil ifiis rebuilt I)y Mr. Cliapnum. Mr. Page also built, on tlic .same
lot, the house \Yhicli was the residence of the late R. L. Fuller.*
On' lihis lot also are the other houses on the road leading to the creek ;.
the house on the corner occupied in his lifetime by the late E. W.
Lyon, and now by Mr. Ifuniphre}'- Smith; the residence of the late
David S. Ciiurch, Esq.,t Sheriff of the County, and others south
of it as far as, and including the residesce of Mr. Horace Crane-,
long known as a citizen and leading mechanic in the village.

Wc here close our account, as far as our design and limits will
allow, of all the settlements on land purchased of Judge I'ainter.

Any person, who has had the patience to run through the tire-
gome details of this sketch, will perceive, that the life and labors of
t'he lion. Ga.maliei- Painter are intimately associated with ths
history of the town, and will accord to him his common designation
of '• Father of the town,"' and especially of the village. He was
not a learned man, having had only a common school education.

♦Reuben L. FiiHer first established himself in tlie village as a tailor, and after-
wards engaged in tlic mercantile business In tlie later years of his lite, he reduced
his mercantile business, an I prosecnt d both braiiclies in connection. The Stewart
store was his place of business. In all his employments and stations in life, he was
a very respectable and useful citizen, and died greatly lamented March 9, 1857, at
tha ago of 43 years. 'lis wl low and family still oscupy the same liouse as a residence.

tDavid S. Church, E.-^q., was elected sheriff of the County filtcen successive j'ears.
On the 17th day of June 18JG, he had a warrant against an Irishman, who was
charged with some offence, and in the pursuit to arrest him, found he had retreated
to the upper room of a house ; and in attempting to ascend the stairway to arrest
him, he was met by the accused, with a large club, with which he gave Church a
blow on the head, with a violence which prostrated him. He was taken by his
friends in a very doubtful .-tate and carried home. After a few days he so far re-
covered, as to attend to liis business ; but was never entirely well, or able to pros-
ecute his offici.al duties with his former energy. He soon began to decline, and
became less able to attend to his business ; and after suffering long with various
distressing symptoms, he died on the 18th day of January 18-39, aged 44 years.
On a. jynsl. mortem, examination, it was found that the frontal bone, on which the
blow fell, was diseased externally across the whole forehead ; under the wound the
membrane of the brain exhibited evidence of chronic inflammation, and the brain
was softened to the centre, of the size uf an egg, to the consistence of cream. He
was a respectable and much esteemed citizen, and capable officer, and his death is
folt and mourned by the whole community; .and is an irreparable loss to his widow
and three daaghtcrs.

2S4: IIISTOUV Or .^llDDLLUniY.

He was a jjlaiu man, slow of speech and of few worJ-s, and not elo-
quent in pulilic addresses or private conversation. But he had sound
judgment and common sense, on -which his friends placed implicit
and safe reliance, lie had great -wisdom, — some "would say cunning
— in forming his plans and in adopting the means to execute them.
Thus he became a leader in all important enterprises. He -was among
the earliest settlers, and from the beginning devoted -svhat powers
he had to the prosperity of the town. He personally surA'oyed and
)aid out lands and public roads. He was early called to this" service
in tile neighboring towns, and in later years -was employed in lay-
ing out some of the most important roads in this ix-gion. He early
enlisted in measures, designed to prepare the wav to establish and
maintain the independence and organization of A'ermontas a State.
]Ie was the first delegate who ever repi'esented the town in any pub-
lic body, and Avas a member of the convention at Dorset in Septem-
ber, 177B, at -which incipient measures -were adopted to make a dec-
laration of independence ; also a member af the convention held at
Windsor, July 2, 1777. -which formed the first constitution. He
was the first representative of the town after its organization in 1788,
in the legislature of the state, and was annually elected the four suc-
ceeding, and several subsequent years, until 1810, after -which he
Avas several years a member of the old council. In 178 J, at the
time of the organization of the county, he -was elected one of the
first judges of the county court. Before the end of the year he re-
signed this office, for the purpose of being a candidate for the office
of sheriff, which for some reason he preferred, and to which he was
elected. But in 1787 and the' seven succeeding years he was I'e-electcd
to the office of judge.

After he removed to the village in the fall of 1787, he adopted
his plans tvith appropriate measures to make it a respectable place
of business, and the seat of the courts in the County. He early
built mills and sold building lots to all worthy immigrants. As early
as 1791, when the village was little else than a wilderness, standing
on the lot he had deeded to the Countj'-. he said to the bystanders,
'• this is the place for the court house." Through his agency, as a
member of the legislature, hi.^ ]-i1;uv5 \MM-f Mccomplishod nvid lii>

I

lUSTOKY Ui' MlDDl.ni'.Ullt. 28.")

pi'cdicLioii fullilk'J. In tlie- town he often olriciatecl as nioJcrator of
the meetings, and iu other ofTiees and trusts. When the Congrega-
tional Society finally decided to huild a church, ho was appointed
superintendent, to adopt the ])hm and make the contracts fur its
erection, to*whieh also he largely contributed. Ho was also appointed
by the corporation to superintend the erection of the stone college,
to which he also contributed liberally. He was a prominent promo-
ter of our other literary institutions. ]>y the charter of the col-
lege, he was constituted one of tlie origintil ti-u.<'tecs, and occupied
that place until his death, hi his lasfwill. all his children having
died, he gave all his estate, except an annuity to his widow, during
her lii'e. to that institution : from wliich the college realized about
thirteen thoiismd dollars.

Judge Painter w;is born in New Haven, Conn., on the 22d of
May 1742. His first wife was Abigail Chipman, sister of Col.
.Fohn Chipman. who died April 21 1790.* By her he had two
sons, Josepii, who died in 1804, at the age of thirty-four, and Sam-
uel, who was drowned in the creek in June 1707, at the age of
twenty-live. His second wife was Victoria Ball, of Salisbury, Conn.,
who died in June 1800, at the age of forty-six. By her he had
one daughter. Abby V'ictoria, wdio died in December 1818, at the
age of twenty-two. His third Avife, who survived him, was 3Irs.
Ursula Bull, of Litchfield, Conn.,a widoAv, and sister of Mrs. Tracy,
v/ifc of the distinguished senator from Connecticut. Judge Painter
died in May 1819, aged seventy-six years. The corporation of
Middlebury College erected a monument at his grave.

*5frs. Severance, mcntioneJ elsewlierc, who was an inmate in the family of Judge
Painter, gives the following account of the funeral cf his tirst Avitl;. A raft was
mads by lashing together two canoes and sjireading boards over them ; on this the
corpse was placed accompanied by the mourners and friends and men to manage
the boats, while a few others walked on the shore. Thus arranged the procession
moved up the creek, and the body was deposited in the burying ground near Ccl.
Chipman's. The boats, on their wa^', leaked, and the men, having no pails or
dishes with them, bailed out the water with their shoes. Xo clergyman was pres-
ent on that occasion.

19

286 MiBTOKV or .midulhbuk:

CHAPTER Xil.

I'UKTHER SLTTLEMENTS WEST OF THE CREEK — STILLMAN FOOT-^
APPLETOX FOOT— IIARA'EY BELL — JOHN "WARREX- — ('APT. MARK-
HAM S. SARGEAXT — J. M'dONALD — J. COOLITTLE^ — T. HAT.AK

JUDGE PHELPS J. JE^yETT — J. 13LIX — C. PORTER.

Ix addition to tlie superintendence of Lis mills, Stillnian Foot
erected on bis mill yard a small building for a store, and was fur-
nished with goods bjMr. Daniel Ilenshaw, then of xVlbany. These
be sold as partner of Mr. Henshaw. His ill success in this busi-
ness has been said to be the occasion of his selling bis property here
and removing oul of the State. In the fall of 1800, be deeded his
bouse and adjoining lands to lsh\ Henshaw, and at that time, or af-
terwards, bis saw mill. In December of the following year, be sold
to John Warren bis grist mill and appurtenances. In the spring of
■J 801. he went to Canton, N. Y . to examine the country and make
provisions for bis future residence, and in 1802, removed bis family
to that place.

]\Ir. Henshaw moved v, itli bis family in the year 180o, and took
possession of the bouse and property purchased of Foot. He be-
came interested in some of the \YorlvS below Appleton Foot's mills,
and erected a building on the Avcst side of the bridge, opposite
Is^icbols' brick building, "on land A'.bicb is now vacant, the difterent
apartments of Avbicb Avere rented for various uses. He erected,
on the south side of bis lot, a building designed for a store, and for
some time used for that purpose, but which has since been trans-
formed into a dwelling house, and is occupied by the widoAV and
family of Rev. Lucius Clark. He built also the brick building
north of his house now owned by Miss Thirza Adams. Besides
Buperintending his saw mill and other works at the falls, he was, for

IIT.^TOl'.Y nV .MrDDLF.lIURY. 38T

Korno tliiie, en;^ageJ in the manufacture of paper at the Paper Mill
Falls. lie, and ^Ye believe all his family, were prominent and ex-
emplary communicants in the Episcopal Church, and occupied a high
social position in the community, lie left a widow and an interest-
ing family of children, and among them llov. John P. K. llenshaw,
late Bishop of Rhode Island.

About the year 1794, Jonathan NichoLs, Jun., an ingenius me-
chanic;, aniuainted with the manufacture of iron and the various
forms of working it, purchased of Appleton Foot land and a water
power, and erected beloAV Foot's mills, successively, a forge, trip-
hammer and gnn factory. He was not very successful in the pros-
ecution of these establishments, and they fell into the hands of dif-
ferent persons, and were kept in operation partially for several years,
bnt fell into decay aiid were finally consumed with the other works
in that location. Josiah Nichols, a brother of Jonathan, also an
ingenious mechanic, joined him in 1790, and continued to work in
iron, in all required forms and at different places, until his death in
183G, at the age of sixty-five years, lie left a widow, Mrs. Bath-
sheba Nichols, who is still living.

On the land purchased by Nichols was a small house, of one story,
between the dwelling house of Appleton Foot and his mill house,
to which John Atwater, in 1801, added a second story. This after-
wards became the property of Capt. Moses Leonard, and was occu-
pied by him as a residence until his death, and is still occupied by
his widow. Andrew Rutherford, a son-in-law of Capt. Leonard,
afterwards erected the addition on the north end, and resided in it
until he left town. Capt. Leonard was largely concerned in the
works on the falls, and owned the Appleton Foot mills when tliey
were burnt. Mr. Rutherford, after his marriage, was connected with
kim in business, and being a woolen manufacturer, built and occu-
pied the woolen factory south of the passage to the creek. Capt.
Leonard died in 1853, aged 79 years.

Appleton Foot sold his mills in 1807, and removed with his fam-
ily to Malone, N. Y., where he died in 1S31, at the age of sixty-
four years.

Among the earliest settlers on the west side of the falls, was liar-

238 hijTOrv of MiMn.i;::iRy.

vcy Boll, ^ fuHcr and Urcssor of cloth. He establiaheJ bis business
hare as early as 17131. lie built a small house and shop on a lot
Avhich ho purchased of Stillmau :md ,Vppleton Foot, and on which
now stand the brick house ownsd by John Vallette, Vallette's store
and the larixe brick buildinji;. erected bv the late Jonathan Hao-ar.
He afterwards made an addition to his shop, and, in company with
his brother, added to his other business that of a merchant. In
February, 1797, he sold his premises to John Warren, of Marlbor-
ough, Mass., also a clothier, and removed to New Haven, and there,
for two or three years, prosecuted his cloth dressing and merchan-
dize. But the latter was unsuccessful, and terminated in the dis-
continuance of both. He then returned to INIiddlebury and pur-
chased the lot, on "Weybridge street, formerly owned by the late Ad-
na Smith, for some years sheriff of the county, and now belonging
to his widow. This lot had been sold by Xehemiah Lawrence to
Jonathan Nichols, Jun., previous to bis sale to Rhodes, and before
that part of Cornwall was added to Middlebury. On this lot Bell
built the present dwelling house, and resided in it for a time. In
1805 he purchased Amasa S^owelFg tavern lot and opened and kept
a public house, and in 1812 took a lease from Artemas Nixon of
the Mattocks tavern house. While occupying this house, in De-
cember, 1811, he died, in the fiftieth year of his age.

John Warren, after his purchase, went into possession and prose-
cuted his trade with great success and profit, and accumulated a large
estate. Encouraged by his great success, in 1801 he purchased of
Stillman Foot his grist mill lot, and its appurtenances, including
all his land and privileges, which he had not deeded to Daniel Hen-
shaw. Warren also, as early as 1804 or 1805, erected his large
brick house on the Bell lot. About the commencement of the war
of 1812, Mr. Warren, not content with the income which had made
him independent, undertook to establish a cotton factory. For this
purpose he made large additions to his grist mill buildings, and built
and otherwise procured the requisite machinery. But the business
was then in its infancy in this country ; the machinery was not
adapted to the successful prosecution of it, and required frequent
changes to keep up with the impi-ovements made. Although the

iiiSToUY .r .Miii: i.k;:( I'.r. 2sy

goods sold at lilgh jirices daring the ■war, tlicj fell after its teriiu'n-
ation, the factory and mill and accompanying buildings were burnt,
and being left with no great abundance, ]Mr. Warren sold out his
premises and returned to Massachusetts.

Capt. Ebenezer Markham had been in mercantile business in
Canada, and was detained there a prisoner during the war of the
revohition, but after its close returned to the States. In the mean-
time, through some connection witli others, he became involved in
large debts. AVhile in Shoreham. the debts were prosecuted, and
he was committed to the liberties of the iail in Middleburv in the
spring of 179-3. The first year he lived here without his family
;ind tended bar for Mr. Mattocks, In the spring of ITIX.', heestab-
li.shed a nail factory in a room at the end of Stilhiian Foot's saw
mill, which was said to be the first nail factory in the State. The
same vear he moved his familv here, and resided with them in the
nail factory through that year. Tlie following spring he took a
lease of Foot for four years, which was extended from time to
time, of a small lot, north of Foot's house and extending to the
cn'oek. The lease contemplated that the lot should be fitted and
used tor a garden, but gave the right to erect buildings, which were
to belong to Markham and paid for by Foot at the termination of
the lease. Under this lease Capt. iMarkham, in 1797 built the
north half of the house now occupied by Mrs. McLeod his daugh-
ter. While doing this he put up some posts on the premises, cov-
ered them with boards, and occupied this shanty with his family.
In the year 1800, in anticipation of the session of the legislature to
be held here the fall following, he erected the south half of the
house. In this building he opened a public house, which he con-
tinued until his death. He died in February 1813, of the prevail-
ing epidemic, at the age of 64 years. The property has since con-
tinued in the fiimily and is owned by his daughter Mrs. McLeod,
who has furnished most of the foregoing details. Mrs. j\Iarkham,
his widow, who was the daughter of Benjamin Kellogg, one of the
earliest settlers on the lake shore in Addison, survived him and died
in January 1850, at the ago of 85 years.

Samuel Sarfjeant, a gold=imith from Worcester, Mass., purchased

200 iit5To;;y or mtlij/ taht.

the lot on the Wcybridgo street, on Avhich ITramuii A. Sheldou
resides. He also purchased the lot next north of it then o'.vned hy
Elias Wilder. On the lot first mentioned he built a house of one
storj, in Avhicli he resided several years. This house he leir.oved
to the Wilder lot, and built the present two story house. In this
he resided until the year 1847, ivhcn he died at the aie of eiglity
vears. He continued his 1)usiness until the infirmities of as-e in-
duced him to retire from it. ifames McDonald, Esq., wlio married
liis daughter, purchased and, for several years, oecup'.rd the one
story house, which had been removed. William Flagg, a carpenter
and joiner, and a respectable citijicn. afterwards purchased and resi-
ded in it until his death. ~Slr. Flaf;"; was ensaircd in finishins; a
contract for building a church in West Rutland, which was nearly
completed* when the scaffolding on which he stood gave way. and ho
fell to the ground : from which he received a fatal injury and died
August 24. 1854, aged 49 years. His family still occupy the house.

Mr. INIcDonald, on leaving this house, purchased the lot where he
now resides. An old house standing on it he removed and built hi.^
present brick house. Mr. iMcDonald had been successfiillv enijnscd
in the mercantile business, for several years, in the room in Sar-
geant's building now in possession of Mr. W. II. Remsen. He re-
tired from this business some years ago, satisfied with his previous
accumulations, and is now the accomplished town clerk of IMiddle-
bury. Mr. McDonald was succeeded in his mercantile business, by
Harmon A. Sheldon, who occupied the same room until the com-
pletion of Davenport's block. Since which he has occupied a room
in that building, with great! 3' enlarged business. The old house,
on the lot where Mr. McDonald now resides, was built as early as
1801, by David Dickinson, and used by him for a store. It was
afterwards fitted up for a dwelling house, and was for several years
the residence of Hon. Joel Doolittle, previous to his purchase of tho
house of Erastus Hawley, as elsewhere stated.

Thomas Hagar, before mentioned, in 1813, purchased the lot and
small house from which Dr. Willard removed, and erected a large
house now standing there. He resided in it several years with his
family, and was succeeded by Hon. Samuel S. Phelps, who resi-

Kxod ill it until lii.s <.Ie;ith. It is still the leiidoncc 6f hi.s family.

Saiuut'l bhoiitlicr Piielp.s.* was born ;it Litchfioltl. Conn., INIav
13, 17*j;». His father. John Plielps, ■was a wealthy and respectable
farmer of that plae'j. and a soldier of the revolutio:!. Samuel was
graduated at Yale College iu 1811, wilh credit to hiuLself. although
considerably younger than most of his class. — among -whoni were
lion. John M. Clayton of Delaware, ami Ilori. lioircr IS. Sherman
of Connecticut. The following Avinter he spent at the Litchfield
law school, and attended the lectures of Judfre Keeve and Jud;:e
(Jould. In the following spring he came to Middlebury, and con-
tinued his studies in the office of lion. Horatio Seymour. At the
time of the declaration of war in 1812. he was a decided sup[)ortcr
of the administration. Soon after hostilities conuncnccd, he was
drafted as one of 100, UUO men, "svho were to hold themselves in
readiness. During the summer he was ordered to the Canadian
frontier, and served in the ranks at Burlin<Tton and IMattsburgli.
In the fill he received the appointment of paymaster in the United
States service. In this capacity he remained while his services wcro
needed.

On lii.-^ return to ^liddlebury he resumed his law studies, and was
admitted to practice at the December Term 1814. He continued
iu extensive and successful practice in this and other Counties until
1831. In the meantime, in 1827. he was elected one of tlic Coun-
cil of Censors. The adilress to the people, put forth by this Coun-
cil, was written by him. In ISol he was chosen a member of the
legislative council, and durino; the session of the leirislature that
year he was elected a judge of the Supreme Court. This office he
held by successive elections until 1838. In the autumn of that
year he was elected to the senate of the United States, his term to
commence on the 4th of March following. In the fall of 1844 he
was re-elected for a second term, which expired on the 3d of
March 18ol.

Judge Phelps was distinguished, as a judge, by his clear, discrim-

*In tlio '\Vhig Review .July 18.>0, is a biograpliical sketch of Judge Phelps, wvit-
ten by J. H. Barrett, Esq., than editor of the Middlebury Register. We use some
of its matcri-ils, ind such others as arc withiu our reach, in forming this notice.

li'DJ lII.^Tliliy Ol' MlLil>J.L'15Ul:Y.

inatiiig uud cumpreheuBivc views, imd thorough luaslcrj of hi.-s sub-
ject ; and his decisions, as they appear in the reports from 18t>l to
1838, Avcro distinmiislied l)y clear, forcible and convincinf;; arsju-
rnents and language. He left the bench -with a prominent reputa-
tion, lie Mas distinguished by similar traits as an advocate. In
this character his reputation was not confined to his own state or to
New England. Ilis arguments, before the Supreme Court of the
United States, have made him known generally as a cogent and pow-
erful reasoucr. and his talents were recognized by distinguished men,
capable of judging.

As a senator, Judge Phelps was cautious and conservative, an-J
did not incline to take a leading position, as some of his friends
thought he ought. He did not make himself common as a speaker,
but reserved his eftbrtsr for the more important questions and occa-
sions. But his influence, though silent, was felt, and his reputation^
recognized through the senate as a statesman of sound, discrimina-
ting and practical talents. Several of his speeches, which were pub-
lished, gave him a prom:4ient reputation through the country. His"
labors on the committees' of claims and Indian affairs were highly
appreciated, and it is said that the recommendation of his reports,
fortified as they Avere by a clear, definite statement of the case, were
seldom, if ever, rejected.

After the close of his second term in the senate, Judge Phelps
retired to private life in his own home, and employed himself, as far
as he had leisure from oHher avocations, in the superintendence of
his farm. But ho was frequently called from his retirement for
counsel and professional aid in the trial of important causes, in dif-
ferent parts of the state, and beyond its limits.

AVhile Judge Phelps was thus situated, Daniel AVebster died, Oc-
tober 24, 1852, and his friends in Middlebury decided to take some
notice of so important an event, appointed a meeting to be held on
the 11th of November, and requested Judge Phelps to deliver an
address on the occasion. He was well qualified to perform this ser-
vice, for lie had been long personally acquainted with Webster in
all the positions in which his talents as a statesman and advocate
had been exhibited. On the day appointed, a large audience assem-

UL<1A[Y ^'l' MlJJlJLl.JjlUi'. IJDu

bled in the' Congregational cliurcli. and Judge PLelps delivered an
unwritten address, foi' nearly two Lours, to a quiet and interested
assembly. lie took advantage of liis text, — the life and character
of Daniel AVebster, — to impress upon his audience his own views on
many important political subjects, and on the true character of a
statesman. Application Avas made to him, numerously signed, re-
questing a copy for publication. But for some reason it was never
turnished. Being an unwritten address, he probably found no suf-
ficient leisure to write it out.

One of the deepest convictions, which seemed to occupy the mind
of Judge Phelps, in the later years of his life, was, that the con-
tinuance of our civil and political institutions depends wholly on
the influence of Christian principle among the people. In his eulogy
on Daniel Webster, there was no topic, which he more earnestly
pressed, and no trait in his character, which he more earnestly com-
mended, than that, being a descendant of the puritans, he Avas an
inheritor of their principles.

In January 1858, occurred the death of Mr. Upham, then United
States Ir-'enator from this State. Judge Phelps being in Washing-
ton on other business. Governor Fairbanks sent him an appointment
to supply the vacancy. He remained in discharge of the duties of
that position through that session. At the " next meeting," in the
ensuing fall, the legislature failed to make an appointment, and it
was a mooted question whether a senator appointed by the executive
would not continue to fill the vacancy, while it should last. By
the solicitation of his friends, he went on, at the next session, to
claim his seat, but a majority of the senate decided against his claim.

Judge Phelps died at his residence on the 25th of March 1855,
in the sixty-second year of his a^e.

Jonathan Hagar, brother of Thomas llagar, had also been in
business in Montreal, and at the commencement of the war of 1812,
retreated from Canada and settled in Middlebury. He entered ex-
tensively into the mercantile business, and for its accommodation
erected the large brick buildiuof next west of the brick house built
by John Warren. lie also soon after built the two dwelling houses,

on the cait side of the Wcvbrid;rc road, next north of his late rcsi-
■2(i

29'4 HlsTuiiY oi' .midLlebury.

dence, now severally owned by Chester Elmer and Orin Abby. On

the lot where he resided was a small house built by David H.

Griswold, who, at an early day, commenced and for a few years

continued the practice of law. Here Mr. Hagar built the two story

front, and resided in it with his family until his decease. It is now

owned by Rev. Joseph Steele and is the residence of his family.

After a few years, Mr. Hagar exchanged his former business for

book sellins:, which he continued until his infirmities forced him

to retire from it. He was employed in various offices and trusts,

and among them was treasurer of the County, and treasurer of the

Middlebury Savings Bank for many years preceding his death.

He was also- representative of the town in the legislature for three

or four years. He died in April 1855^ at the age of seventy-seven.

The lotno^v owned and occupied by Russell Yallett Esq., between

Mr. Steele's residence above mentioned, and the "Wilder lot occupied

by the family of the lato William Flagg, was owned, by a title derived

from Appleton Foot, by Gen. Hastings Warren,, who built a small

house on it, and, on the Gth of iSIarch 1815, sold it to Nichols and

Pierpoint, cabinet makers from Litchfield Conn. They built a shop

on it for the use of their business, and occupied it for several years.

The present house was built by Mr. Vallett.

Mr. James Jewett commenced his apprenticeship, in the cloth
dressing business, with John Warren in 1797. In 1806 he entered
into partnership with Vfarren, and they together purchased the card-
ing machines of Artemas Nixon, which he established here in 1801,
and which were the first brought into the county, and added them
to their other business. Mr. Jewett soon after purchased of Elias
Hall part of a lot, which he had a few years before purchased of
Col. Storrs, and erected the dwelling house, in which he has ever
since resided. On the other part of the lot, owned and lately occu-
pied by Jason Davenport, II all drew a blacksmith shop and fitted
it up, which, he says, is the same dwelling house now there.

The lands in this neighborhood were purchased of Col. Storrs
and occupied at an early day, but the original settlers and their suc-
cessors were mostly temporary residents. The first house on the
lot, where George Clevclan<l E«q. resided for many years before his

IliSTORY OF MruriLEBURY. Ii95

death, and now occupied by Professor Parker, was built by Nathan
Hubbard. From him Cleveland purchased it, and about the year
1814, enlarged the old house or built a new one for his residence.
He came to Middlebury as early as 1805 or 180G, and pursued the
mercantile business for several years. He was appointed collector
of the direct tax under the administration of ]\Ir. Madison, and held
the office of postmaster for twenty years from 1800. He died in
February 1851, aged cight3'-two years, and his widow, who sur-
vived him, in May 1853, at the age of eighty-seven years.

Soon after the present road was laid out to Cornwall in 1803,
Ethan Andrus Esq. from Cornwall, owning a farm on that road,
built the house noAV occupied by the family of the late Dea. Cyrus
Porter,* until he exchanged his farm in Cornwall with Dr.Mattliews
as elsewhere stated. After this he resided in the IMatthews house
until his death in 1841 at the age of eighty-five years.

In 1810, Jonathan Blin from Orwell, purchased the house above
mentioned, built by Andrus, and after residing in it a few ^'■ears
sold it to William G. Hooker, and purchased the lot on the corner,
made by the Cornwall road and the street running south, on which
had been erected a small house still standing, and built the present
two story house. He resided here Avhile he lived. He died in
1832, at the age of seventy-one years.

We here close our minute details of the settlement of the village.
In a few instances we have gone beyond our original design. There
are still many other cases, especially on streets more recently opened,
which our limits do not permit us to notice. With these we include
the residences on the Grammar School Common.

*Dea. Cyrus Porter from Farmington, Conn., purchased this farm of Dr. ■Wil-
liam G. Hooker, in February 1829, and about th;\t time moved on to it, witli his
family and resided on it until the time of his death, which took place Api-il 1, 1857,
at the age of 62 years. He was an active and efficient member and deacon of the
Congregational Chnrch, and a respectable citizen. His death was a very sore
affliction to his widow and numerous family, as wcil as serious loss to the church.

290 iii.'^Taiiy of mtdhlcctiit.

CUAlTKll Xlil.

COXDITIOX OV Till-: V1LLA.GE AT A\ EAllLY DAY — aROWTII AXi>
IMPUOVEMEXT OF THE VILLAGE — IXC'OrvPORATION.

To our more detailed account we add here some statements re-
specting tbe general condition of the village, at different periods.

None but an enterprising and persevering population would have
undertaken to build up a village where this stands. The thick
hemlock and pine forest, which covered it, as Avell as the soil, was-
uncommonlj forbidding. The first settlements were made only with
reference to the establishment of mills and the necessary dwellings
for that purpose. The settlers were poor, and were induced to
open, in the forest, only a sufficient space for the erection of their
buildings, and perhaps gardens. The trees on the common on the
east side of the creek were probably cut down in 1789, two years
after Judge Painter moved here ; and it is stated by Asaph Drake
Esq. of Weybridge, that they were still lying on the ground in
1793, when he first came into the country.

Mr. Abram Williamson of Cornwall, then fourteen years of age,
came into the country in March 1790, and drove an ox team loaded
with the goods of the family, while the snow was melting. He
states, that the trees on the common were cut down and lying on
the ground ; that a passage for a team was opened through them :
that when driving through, his sled was several times fastened on
the ends of the logs, and that he was obliged to get help to disen-
gage it ; and that there was very little clearing about the village.
At that time, he says, there were six or eight pine trees about Still-
man Foot's house, near enough to fall on it, if falling in that direc-
tion. There was no framed house at that time on the west side of
the creek but Stillman Foot's^, and no other on either side, unlesS'

IIISTOUY OF MTMLElUnV. 207

.Tiul^e P.untcr"s was such. Samuol Miller had the year before built
liis office. Avhich probably was a framed building. Mrs. "\\ illiani-
wn, his wife, daughter of Samuel Blodget. and graml-daughter of
Asa Blodget, says that the elder James Bentlcy lived on the ridge
soutli of Davenport's new house, with his daughter Mrs. Johnson,
wife of Hop Johnson, who had then left the country, and she recol-
lects no other dwelling house on that side of the creek except Foot's.
Mr. AVilliam.wn states further, that the stumps of the [line Iree^
remained on the connnon many years after ; that the young men in
the neighborhood associated together and had a "play day" on
Saturday afternoon, and one of their by-laws was that every man,
■>vho got drunk should be subjected to the penalty of digging up a
stump. By this means many of them were removed. But we can
testify that several yeans after the commencement of the pres-
ent century many remained. ]Mr. Williamson says also, that sev-
eral years after he came into the country, probably in 1T94, he
-vvas hired with his team, by Anthony Rhodes, to draw off and roll
into the creek the logs on the land where Rhodes built hi.'^ house^
near Mr. Starr's office.

Horace Loomis Esip of Burlington, in the spring of 1790, then
fifteen years old, on his \<ay to Burlington, where his father was
beginning a settlement, passed through this village, with a drove of
sheep, cattle and horses. He states, that the timber on the common
was cut down, and that John Deming was then getting out timber
for his new house^ and he was told there was no frame house in the
village.

^Irs. Simmons, widow of John Simmons Esq., and daughter of
Harvey Bell, senior, was only four or five years old, when her
father came to Middlebury, which she thinks was in 1791. She
says there was then a grist mill where Stillman Foot's mills were,
and that Appleton's mills were built afterwards ; that there was
little clearing where her father built his house, or on the opposite
side of the road to the creek, and that there were no buildings or
clearing on the Weybridge street. The first school on the east side
of the creek was kept by Samuel Southworth, the young man who
was drowned in the creek, in company with Samuel Painter, in

298 HISTORY ot ^triDnr.LLUur.

June ITOT, ill the south part of the house noAV ovrned by ]\Ir.
Jackson, that part only being then built. This, she thinks, Avas a
district school. Lyman Pierce set up an opposition school, because
Southworth taught the Assembly's catechism. Pierce succeeded
South^-orth and kept in the same place. Salmon Bell kept a school
two summers in her fother's shop, on the west side, previous to the
schools above mentioned. Miss Huntington kept a school in the
court house before Miss Strong came: and Mrs. Simmons attended
Miss Strong's school there in 1800. She kept also, probably in
the winter, in Dr. Campbell's south chamber. In 1802 and part
of the year following, her school was in the south room of Dr.
Campbell's house, which had been used for a store.

In the Vermont Mirror, September 15 1813, we find the follow-'
article :
"■ To like editor of the Vermont Mirror: —

In April, 1793, I came to Middlebury, and I counted every
building in the village of ^Middlebury Falls, and found the number
to be G2 ; and in the year 1813, I have counted them again, and
find the number to be 316, of which 146 are dwelling houses, 14
ware stores. The dwelling houses, which stood here in 1793, were
chiefly log houses, and almost wholly mere temporary buildings,
built with small expense. There are now twenty dwelling houses
in this village, either of which cost more than every building stand-
ing in 1793. Jabez Rogers.

Middlebury, 28th August, 1813."'

Mrs. McLeod, who came to the Tillage with her father's family
in 1796, states that at that time there were nine families besides her
father's on the west side of the creek, and thirty on the east side ;
that Stillman Foot had a grist mill where the north part of the wool-
en factory stands, and a saw mill further up the stream, on the rocks
back of the factory dry house ; below these Appleton Foot had
a stone grist mill and saw mill ; and below these Jonathan Nichols,
Jun. had built and then carried on a forge and gun factory, which
afterwards fell into the hands of Anthony Rhodes, who carried them
on. Stillman Foot then lived in the house which he had built, and
Appleton in the house built b}' him, where Dr. Harris lives, and

Nicliuls ill a s'lmiU house, where Capt. Leonard died. Applctons
mill liou.se was built iu 1798; Col. I^torrs lived in his gambrel roof
house, and llarvej Bell in tlie old house where John Warren after-
wards built his brick house. Mrs. ]McLeod further states, that
when she caine here, the Grammar school common was a hemlock
swamp, and the academy was built in 1708 ; that the native forest
still covered the land from the mills westward to Weybridge street,
and that her father's house was exposed from the fire in those woods.
John H. Sherrill then had a store, erected by Jabes Rogers, and af-
terwards occupied by Benjamin Seymour. She also states that the
bridge, first built by Daniel Foot and covered with poles, was then
stiinding. and was supported in the middle by a trestle ; that she
used to ttater on it and call it riding. The bridge, she says, was
about fourteen feet ^viJc. and has been widened \vholly by extending
further up stream.

Benjamin Lawrence, Avho came to Middlebury in 1797, states
that there was no house then on the Wevbridge street, and the land
Avas covered with woods: that Anthony Rhodes' was the only two
story house on the west side of the bridge, and there were only five
on the east, including the old jail house. He and Mrs. McLeod say
that the first school they had knowledge of, was kept by Lyman
Pierce in the south part of the Jackson house.

Capt. Thomas M. Fitch* came to Middlebury, from Windham,
Conn., in December, 1794, then about 14 years of age. Mattock's
tavern house was then built, and Samuel Foot kept a tavern in the
Deming house. These w'ere the only two story houses in the vil-
lage. Samuel Miller resided in his back kitchen. Stumps and logs
were still remaining on the common, and there was a muddy hollow
just north of the bridge, running down to the watering place, over

*Capt. Fitch served his appi'enticeship, at the carpenter's trade, Tvith Col. Na-
thaniel Fviplcy, and after he came of age, established himself in New Haven. He
afterwards returned to Middlebury and purchased the lot and built the house now
occupied by the family of tlie late Martin S. Dorrance on the Papermill road. Here
he resided until within two or three years he went to reside with his son-in-law
David E. Boyce. Martin S. Dorrance referred to above, after a long and distress-
ing sickness, in which he gradually declined, died on the 21st August 1858, at the
age of fittr-iivc

300 lIIiTallY OF MIDDLEUUHY.

which there Avas a bridge for persons on foot, and it was very miry
to near the Congregational church, where there has been generally
in the spring a spot of deep mire. Only about an acre was cleared
on the lot Avhcre Mr. Chipman afterwards built his large house.
The woods on the hill came down near the present brick house ; and
except the clearing Freeman Foot had made near his house, the
woods extended to the creek. There was an old school house on
Dr. Bass's land, on the rising ground l)eyond his house, and a dwel-
ling house opposite, and a road open from there south to the Selleck
lot, on which Hezekiah Wadsworth had a house. Capt. Fitch is
able to reckon up only about tliirty-two dwelling houses, of all de-
scriptions, in the village.

Eev. Timothy Dwight, D. D., then president of Yale College,
among: his several visits, to which we shall again refer, Avas in Mid-
dlebury in 1708. The following is a part of his record of this visit.
'•The township of Middlebury began to-be settled about the year
1783. About 1794, the inhabitants began to build a village on both
sides of the river, at the falls in the north-west part of the town-
ship. The number of houses Avhen we were on the spot was per-
haps thirty. Several of them were pretty buildings."' " Several
mills had been erected at this place in 1798. A brewery had been
established, several stores had been built, a considerable number of
mechanics and several gentlemen in the liberal professions had cho^
sen this spot as their residence. An academy was also nearly com-
pleted, which was intended to be the germ of a future college. Up-
on the whole the seeds of future respectability were already sown."

Notwithstanding such was the condition of the village at the pe-
riods above mentioned, the iehabitants had the courage in 1799 to
invite the legislature to hold its session here the following year, and
the invitation was accepted. The anticipation of this great event
produced a universal stir among the population to make the requi-
site preparations for it. Some built new houses; others enlarged
and repaired their old ones, and all were made ready for the reception
of boarders. The legislature, whose session was held here in 1806,
were provided with still better accommodations.

EISTORT OF :.liDL»LEBinT, ."Ol

GllOWTII AXD l.MPl.OVE.SlENT UF Jlll^ VIL,'..\(Ji:.

Till:; inducement for establishing tlie village waa of course the
water power furnished hy the falls. But its growth and prosperity
are not a little owing to the character of the first settlers. They
were almost universally enterprising, industrious and devoted to its
reputation. The population of the whole town in 1T91 was only
895. From this time it began gradually to increase, in the village
as well as in the town. Bat the immigrants were poor, as those of
all new countries then were. Their first object was to obtain the
necessaries of life. At an early period the houses were almost uni-
versally small. Many more kitchens were biiilt than parlors, and
the surroundings corresponded. But the tenemerits were gradually
enlarged and improved, as tlie means were provided. Soon after
the commencement of the present century, some of the old houses
were replaced by larger and more couunodious dwellings. Dr.
i)wight says. — "'In both these journics. (in 1806 and 1810) and
i)articularly in the latter. I found ]\Iiddlebury changed into a beau-
■ iful town, consistin"; of about one hundred and fifty houses. The
inhabitants had finished a large and handsome church. The private
dwellings are generally neat, and in several instances handsome.
The town contains a book store, a printing office, twelve or fifteen
stores, belonging to merchants and druggists, and a great number
of Mechanics' shops." '"'At the same time, religion had prevailed
in this town more than any other in the state : and controls very
obviously the manners and the character of the inhabitants, in a de-
gree uncommon and delightful." •• On the whole Middlebury is one
of the most prosperous and most virtuous towns in New England."

From 1800 to 1820, and especially from 1810 to the latter jieri-
od, the business of the village rapidly increased. During this pe-
riod, it was the centre of mechanical and mercantile business, to a
much larger extent than afterAvards. In no place were the mechan-
ics especially more prosperous, and several were ruined by their
prosperity. Their rapid accumulations induced a thirst for still lar-
ger incomes, and they exchanged the business with which they were
acquainted, for that of which they had no knowledge. In the mean-
time, mechanics and some merchants had established tneraselves in
21

k

302 lllSTORY OF MIDDLEBURT.

the nei'z;liborin&; to'^'iis, from vfliich iiiv\ch of the business of the vil-

CD kD ^

lage had been derived. The opening of the Northern Canal by the
State of NcAY York, not long previous to the last mentioned period,
created a heavy draft upon the business of the place. Previous to
that, a lar^e share of the business from the north-eastern towns in
the county centred here, vrhicli was afterwards drawn to Vergennes,
where they met navigable Avater, which connected them with New
York. The business of the western towns was also draAvn to the
shores of the lake for the same reason. The business since that
time has scarcely increased, and has, in- some branches, diminished.
The population and number of buildings have, in the meantime, in-
creased slowl}'. As the census of the village has never been taken
separately from the town, we are not able to ascertain the progress
correctly. In the year 1840. according to the census taken in that
year, the population of the town appeared to have diminished, in
the preceding ten years, about three hundred, and it Avas supposed
to be owino; to a large emigration, and extended to the village, as
well as other parts of the town. But it was understood at the time
that the census that year wa? carelessly and incorrectly taken. As
an evidence that it was so, it appeared by the census of 1850, that
the population had increased much more for the previous ten j^ears,
than it had diminished in the same period previous to 1840. At
our request, Da'vid S. Church, Esq., who made the last enumera-
tion, as deputy marshal, has separated the number in the village
from the rest of the toAvn, and makes the population in that year 207 0;

The effect of the rail road passing through the village, on the
business and population, is not yet very obvious. But our opinion
is that both have increased, and Ave anticipate that the next census
will show it. This road, connecting us directly Avith the great mar-
kets, will give our business men an advantage Avhich will, we think,
draAv back much of the business Avhich has been lost. The road,
Ave expect, will also bring into market a large amount of water poAV-
er noAV unemployed. Besides, as the farming country is obviously
enriched by the road, this also Avill increase the business and. wealth
of the village.

If Ave canifot boast of any rapid increase of population and bus;-

nr.<T.tiiY OF MiDDLEJU'uv. :](>::>

•ness, for sonic past years, we think wc can safely claim that the vil-
lage has improved in its appearance. A few old houses have been
replaced by better, and more have been enlarged and improved by
internal as Avell as external alterations. The yards, out houses
and other surroundings have been put into better taste. Our efforts,
at planting ornamental trees, "were commenced with Lombardy pop-
lars, v.hich soon became unpopular and were cut down. These
were succeeded by locust trees, but the borers soon began their dep-
redations on these, and they too were given up, &ince that we have
planted, as successfully as our stiff soil Avill permit, our native for-
est, with some exotic, trees and shrubs, in our yards and comm-ons
and along our streets. The same expense never added greater im-
provement to a village, than the sum expended in inclosing and
ornamenting the principal park en the east side of the creek. The
irround. before that, was uneven, jrullied and an almost naked mas.-i
of clay. Since that the two small parks east of it,thc small park Avest
of the creek, and more recently the large park on the Grammar
School Common, and the ornamented college grounds, have added
still further improvements. So that, v:ith all our obstacles, the ap-
pearance of our village passes, among strangerS; as quite respectabk.

INCORPORATION OF THE VILLAGE.

Amcng tbe objects, which seemed to demand some efHcient organ-
ization, the means of preventing and extinguishing fire had been
long regarded as most pressing. Its destructive eSects had been
experienced over almost the whole surface of the village, and swept
away a vast amount of property, as our history shows. As early
as 1808, the legislature on application, passed an act, incorporating
a Fire Society, with ample powers, by the appointment of fire-
wardens and otherwise to extinguish fires. A company was formed,
and a large engine obtained. The engine, through neglect, went
out of repair, and for want of sufficient interest in the subject, the
company went to decay ; the corporation was left with a small debt,
for which the engine was sold on execution fijr a nominal sum.
Thus ended the efforts and the existence of the Fire Society. This
failure was attributed, we suppose correctly, to the fact, that the

■jOi HISTOIjy Of illiiDLEBUKY,

purpose of the a3so;;iation, being limited to ?^ single o])ject, coald
not keep up interest enough to sustain it.

Accordingly in ISIG, on application for that purpose, the legis-
lature passed an act incorporating the '•' Borough of Middlebury,"
Avith power to Jiold property for the use of the borough, erect public
buildings, levy and collect taxes, make bylaws, appoint fire-wardens
and organize a fire company. Under this act the borough was
organized, by-laws and ordinances were established, taxes assessed,
and some new measures adopted for the prevention of fire. But
the taxes were iin}X)pular. the organization came into disrepute, and
ran dowm and died. The act of incorporati 'n was revived by the
legislature in 1832, the nama was changed to the " Yillagoof Mid-
dlebury," and provision was made for the election of seven trustees
instead of five bailiffs, provided for in the original act, and with the
same powers. An amendment of this act, by the legislature in
1845, provides that the highways and streets in the village should
be regarded as '' village highways and streets," and gives the trus-
tees the exclusive control of the streets, " with the grounds and
Avalks of the same," and authorizes them to '-'receive and expend
for the purposes aforesaid, such portion of the ordinary highway
tax, assessed upon the inhabitants of said village and property
therein, as may be assigned them by the selectmen of the town,"
which shall not be less than one third." These acts have been
hitherto efficient in accomplishing the objects for which they were
designed. The streets and walks and commons have been improved,
and what is more important perhaps, an efficient fire company has
been formed and kept alive, engines have been provided and pre-
served in a new and substantial building erected for that purpose,
and a vast amount of property has been saved from the destructive
effects of fire.

HISTORY uF iJIDriLKIJUnr. .lo.'

CITATTEn XIV.

ORGAXTZATruX — I'ulU'oH ATI-; r'HOrEEMXGS.

So.Mi!; facts belonging to the history of" the town may be best un-
derstood by the proceedings of their meetings. We therefore copy
a few of their records, with some exphniations.

The town Avas organized, and the first meeting held, '-attlie
house of Mr, Daniel Foot, March 29, 1T8G," and the following is
the record of their proceedings :

" \oted 1st, UenJMmin Risley, Moderator.

" Voted 2dly. Josbu.i Ilydc, town clerk, and s^vorn.

" Voted 3dly, Thomas Ilinraan, Constable, and sworu.

" Voted Itlil}', To dissolve the meeting.

At the annual meeting, March 2'.), 1787, .lolin Chipraan was chosen moderator;
P.obert yiuston. Town Clerk; Martin Foot, Constable, At a special meeting, Jan-
uary 1, 1788, Jonathan Chipmunand Robert H uston were chosen ri;<terfi iS'o oth-
er officers at this time had been chos n in town.

At the annual meeting, March 24, 1788, '■ Capt. Stephen Goodrich, Joshua
Hyde and John Chipman, Esq.," ■were chosen selectmen; and all the other usual
tOA.'n officers, as they were at all subsequent annual meetings. At this meeting it
was " voted, that we will lay a tax ot one shilling on a pound, on the grand list
of 1788, to be worked out on the roads ."vt 43. per day, and sis pence on the pound,
to be paid in wheat at 43. 6d. per bushel."

At a special meeting, September 2, 1788, it was

*• Voted, that Gamaliel Painter, Esq. be directed to forward a petition to the
General Assembly, in October next, petitioning that honorable body to grant a lot-
tery in order to procure pay for building the bridge across Otter Creek, under such
regulations as they, in their wisdom, shall think proper."

" Voted, to recommend Elijah Foot, Esq , of New Haven, Hiland Hall, Esq , of
Cornwall, and Mr, Daniel Foot, of Middlebury, managei's of said lottery."

Daniel Foot had, the previous year, with some voluntary aid from
the neighbors, built a bridge across the creek where the present
bridge stands. The object of this vote was to raise funds to defray
the e.vpense. Instead of the lottery, the legislature granted a tax

■30G HISTORY OF ,MIDI;L'^Bi;HY.

of one penny per acre on the Luuls in Middleburj, and out of tlie
proceeds of the tax, one half the expense of the bridge was [)aid to
Daniel Foot. A similar tax -was assessed on Cornwall to pay the
other half. Ebenezer Johnson was appointed collector of the tax
on iSJiddleliury, and several lots were sold for the tax, and deeds
given by him.

'UiG following vote was passed. January 2.3. 1790 :

" Whereas, Daniel Foot wa> prosecuted for blocking up a certain road, and found
guilty at a justice court Iiolden by Gamaliel I'ainter, Esq. on the 8tli day of April,
]78>, and the fine being the property of the town said Foot moved to have .said
town relinquish said fine, and seconded, tlie vote being, w-.-j carri.'d iu the aflirmn,-
tive." March, 1790, " Voted that the selectmea shiU kiep a regular account of
all town expenses the year ensuing, and lay it before the town, at their uext JIarch
meeting, for their concurrence "

April 12 1790, "Voted, to have one burying place, as near the centre of the
town as the land will admit " '• ^'oted, tliat the selectmen be a committee to pro-
cure a place or places to bury the dead." " Voted that tliei'c be one burying p'acG
at tlie north end, and one at tlie south end of the town." " Voted that the select-
men lea.se out the scuool lots, for the tcria of ten years, to the best advantage they
can."

June 15, 1 790, " Voted that we will build a meeting house." " Voted to choose
a committee to fix on a place to set the meeting house, and draw a plan and lay it
before the town at some future day." " Voted John Ohipman, Esq., Daniel Foot,
Capt. Stephen Goodrich, Gamaliel Painter, Esq. and Joshua Hyde be a committee .
for the above pui^jose."

September 7, 1790, " Voted Samuel MiliCr, Esq. and Joshua Hyde be a commit-
tee to draw a conveyance between Philip Foot and Appletou Foot and the town of
Middlebury, to convey land for said town for a common." " Voted to divide the
town into school districts;" and a committee of five was appointed " to divide the
town into districts, and report at a future day." In pursuance of these proceed-
ings, the town, on the 7th December following, was divided into four districts, —
the south, north-east, middle and north-west.

The first of the above votes was passed, as it will be seen, in an-
ticipation of the report of the committee "to fix the place to set the
meeting house," which was made afterwards. The location of the
meeting house had already become a subject of anxiety and some
agitation, as it was expected to fix the centre of business for the town,

A meeting was warned at the request ot eight citizens, December 22, 1791, " To
see whether the town will fix upon a centre or place for a meeting house, whenever
they shall agree to build one, and see whether they will agree that a house large
enough to contain the people, for several years, may be built there by individuals,
without expense to the town at large, to attend public woi'ship in, till a more

iirsro';Y of mii>dli:!ji:ry. COT

jiropcr meetiug house can be built. And the design is to give satisfaction to Mr.
Birnett, who is uneasy in liis present s'.tuat'on. His house, as he observes, is nei-
ther decent nor comfortable. I'e would prepare to build next sniiniier, was he cer-
tain tliat his land would bo near tlie centre " This meeting was adjourned to the
2Jth of the same mont!i, wlieu a majority of the committee appointed for that pur-
pose, Daniel Toot, ^tepheu Goodrich and Joshua Ilyde, made theif report; as fol-
lows :

" We the subscribers, being appoin.'cd a committee to pitch on a proper place to
build a meeting house, and fix on a green, make the following report, vi.z, tliat it
is our opinion that it be on the west side of the north and south road, in the corner
of Plulip Foot and Appleton Foot's land, — provided they, the said Philip and Ap-
pleton, throw out a green twenty-four I'ods square, incluiling the roads, and also
four rods wiile on the wo-~t side of the north and south road, from said green north,
to where it intersects the road that leads to the fills." Whereupon it M-as

" Vote 1 to ajjcpt the above report, provided the said Foot's lease the above de-
scribed land to the town for tiie use of a green, as long as they shall want it for
that purpose ; and also voled tliat there may be a house built on said green, large
enouglito meet in fjr public worship on Sumlays, for se\eral years, by individuals,
\\ ithout expense to the town at huge."

March 17'l2. " Voted to lay a tax of twopence half penny, on the pound, on
the list of 1701, — said tax to be collected by the first day of January 1703, in
wlieit at Js (id per bushel ; fifteen pounds of said tax, when collected, t*be appro-
priated to the use of making a road across the mountain beyond Seeley's ;* and
any person, that chooses to work out their tax on said road, may have the privi-
I-'ge, on condition that they do said work before the loth daj' of June next, by the
directions and to the acceptance of the selectmen, and a certificate of said selectmen
of any person doing work on said road as aforesaid, shall ansv.er on sa"d tax."

" Voted, that if Mr. Daniel Foot build a house, suitable for the inhabitants of
Middlebuiy to meet in on Sundays, and to do public business on other days, after
said house is completed suitable for to meet in as above described, then said town
is to pay said Foot yearly the lawful interest of .the sum that said house is worth in
cash, providing the value do not exceed the sum of one hundred and twenty pounds;
said interest to be paid said Foot yearly, as long as said town makes use of said
house, for the pui'poscs above mentioned."

ISeptcmber 3, 179o. ' Voted to raise a tax of three pence on a pound, on the
list of the year, 1793, to be paid into the treasury of the town, by the first day of
December next, in wheat at 43 per bus!. el, for the purpose of covering the bridge
at the falls with oak plank, for procuiing weiglits and measures for said town, and
other incidental charges."

•' Voted Capt. Stephen Goodrich and Gamaliel Painter, Esq., be a committee to
superintend the covering the bridge at the falls "

The bridge, built by Daniel Foot in 1787, was covered with poles,

*Justus Seeley, at an eariy day settled, and then lived, where Ilendrick Hicr has
since li-cd, and where his sons, Ebcr and Justice now live.

303 IIISTUKY OF MIDHLI.'DURr.

u

from the neigliijoring forest, -wliicli had probably much (lecajct], and
the oak plank were designed to supply their places.

At :i mectiuj; at the house of John Foot, on the 9th day of December 1794, noti-
fied on the rtpplicition of twelve free holders.

"2, to see if the inhabitants of said town will reconsider the foi-mer vote of
building a meeting house, wh6re the stake was pitched. 3, to agree upon a jjlacc to
build a !!ioeting house 4, if no place can be agreed on, to choose a committee to
lix on a place to build said house 5, to see if the inhabitants will agree to lay a
tax for t;i3 purpose of building said house. G, to agree on a place or places for
liolding meetings this winter;" the following is the record of the proceedings :

" The '2d article with regard to ro- considering the former vote of building a
meeting house, at the phic'e where the stake was' pitched, was tried and passed in
the negative, and of course the Srd and 4th articles fell. The fifth article was then
taken up and passed in the negative."

•' Voted to meet at Samuel Mattocks', till such time as the' seloetmCn shall notify
ihe town, that Mr. Daniel Foot's house is convenient, and then at such place as
they shall direct, for public worship on Sundays."

Previous to the meeting held in December 1791, the town and
relio-ious meetinii-s had been uniformlv held at Daniel Foot's. He
had built a large barn, just south of the place, Avhere his large
house "was afterwards built, for the express purpose of accommoda-
tinix the meetin2;s : and in this building Mr. Barnett had been or-
dained. During this time Mr.. Foot had declined further to accom-
modate the meeting. For two or three years the town meetings
liad been for some reason, held at Philip Foot's and Appleton Foot's,
in the sam^e neighborhood, and the religious meetings, in the sum-
mer of 1793, were held in Dca. Sumner's barn. During this time
much excitement had arisen, in relation to the place for the centre
of town business. The people, in tlie neighborhood ot Mr. Foot,
and in the south part of the town, were anxious to have the ques-
tion settled, by fixing on the place for erecting a meeting house ;
while the people of the village, and the inhabitants north of it
'• played off," to use a familiar expression.

The village had the advantage of an excellent water poAvcr, with
mills on both sides. Mechanics and merchants had begun to crowd
into it: the only lawyer and the only physicians in town had located
themselves there ; the legislature at their session in 1791, had di-
rected the courts of the county to be held there, and the population
and bu>ine-*-? of the nhic? wore fii^t inrn'onsin''- The inhaliitants of

lilSTOilY U'F -MIDULIOBUrvt. 309

the; village therefore looked forward ^vith confidence to the time when
thej would have such a decided majority of the votes as to control the
decision of the question, and were not in a hurrj tojiave it then set-
tled. This will be readily perceived by tlie proceedings we have copied
above. They were Ayilling to take a lease of land " for the use of
a green, as lo7ig as they shall urmt it for that purpose. They

• -would pay the " interest of the sum that " the meeting house to be
built at the expense of Daniel Foot " is worth in cash," "as long
as said town makes use of said house."' And when it was voted to
hold meetings at Mattocks' in the village, with an apparent inten-
tion to return, it was on such conditions as to render that event
hopeless. On the other hand, it is said Mr. Foot being dissatisfied
with the delay in settling the question, declined further to accommo-
date the meetings, for the purpose of pressing the town to a decis-

; ion. Mr. Barnett also, having purchased a lot directly opposite the
place where the meeting house was expected to be built, began to
be uneasy. But the decision was virtually made. The religious
meetino-s wore never afterwards held out of the villaire. The town
meetings were, for a time, held at Philip Foot's and Appleton Foot's.
But at the annual meeting in 1796, as will be seen, the question
was finally settled, and the meetings were ordered to be held in the
village " in future."

March meeting, 1705, " Voted that there l)e five selectmen for the year eusuing;
that they shall not have any compensation for their services." The selectmen cho-
sen were Joshua Hyde, Stephen Goodrich, Nathaniel iVlunger, Ebenezer Severanoo

iicl Daniel Chipman.who were also appointed " a committee to examine the bridge
at the falls and repair it, if it ■wants." •

" JNIarch, 179G, "Voted to receive that partof the town of Cornwall, and petition
the legislature to have the same annexed to the town of Middlebury, which said
town of Cornwall have voted should be annexed to said Middlebury."

'• Voted not to set off the westerly part of Jliddlebury to Cornwall."

' ' Voted that the house of Samuel Mattooks be the place of holding town and
freemen's meetings in future."

The annual March meeting in 1798, was notified to be held at

Samuel Mattocks', but was immediately adjourned to the Court

House, that building having been finished about this time. At this

meeting it was " Voted to divide the town into three pound districts,

to wit : one pound to be erected at the corner of the road by Capt.

22

310 HISTORY OF MIDDLEBUKY,

Goodrich's; one at the corner of the road south of Abel Case's, and
one at the corner of the roads south of Martin Everts', and north
of Martin Foot's." •' Voted, each district to build their own pounds
at their own expense."

At the annual meeting in 1825, on the application of the Epis-
copal Society, it was voted to grant that society the privilege of erect-
ing their church on the public common, provided it should be built
of bricks or stone ; and a committee was appointed to fix the loca-
tion. The present church was accordingly erected, at the place rec-
ommended by the committee. A similar privilege was afterwards
granted to the Methodist and Baptist societies. But neither of these
has taken advantage of the privilege.

At the time the court house was divided into two stories, it was
proposed that the town should have the exclusive use of the lower
room, provided they should pay towards the expense two hundred
and fifty dollars. This proposition was accepted by the town meet-
ing held on the 2d day of September, 1828, and the amount was
accordingly paid. Previous to this, the town and freemen's meet-
ings had been held in the court room, from the time of its erection.
The town also paid $137 towards the alteration and repairs of the
building in 184-1.

HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY. 811

CITAPTER XV.

'.irOinVAY? AXD BRIDGES — EARLY SURVEYS — MODE OF REPAIR-
ING— BRIDGE AT THE rALLS— THREE MILE BRIDGE — CENTRE
TURNPIKE — -WALTHAM — ROADS ABOUT VILLAGE.

The first settlers made their way to their neighbors by marked
trees, or by paths cut through the forest by themselves, as their
necessities required. The first highways laid out by any authori-
ty, so fiir as Ave can learn, were surveyed in April, 1786, by a com-
mittee appointed by the proprietors, consisting of Benjamin Risley,
John Chipman, Robert Huston and Jonathan Chipman. The first
was a road eight rods wide, commencing on the south line of the
town, near "the north-west corner of the dwelling house of Capt.
Painter," and running north on the west line of the west tier of
home lots, to New Haven line. This wide road, running: throuo;h
what was intended as the centre of the town, was designed as a trunk
road, with which the cross roads were to be connected as branches.
It was re-surveyed by the selectmen in 1788, as for as Philip Foot's
farm, where the road to the falls leaves it. In September, 1789,
the remainder was resurveyed to the New Haven line, but was never
opened further north than Nichols and Wheeler's mill, where Phil-
ip Foot, about that time, built a saw-mill. The second vras a six
rods road, from the south line of the town, near Capt. Boardman's,
northerly until it unites with the first highway, near Allen Foot's.
This road, passing by the'dwelling houses of the late Martin Foot and
Martin Everts, was designed to connect the Hyde and Torrance
neighborhood with the centre. The third road surveyed at that
time was four rods wide, and commenced in the west line of the last
mentioned, where "that crosses the river " near the poor house, and
ran westerly, by Jonathan Seeley's, to the bank of the creek near

ol2 ni.-!TOiiY 01' :.iiiiMLi:Bi:tiy.

the three mile bridge. The fourth commenced where the last ter-
minated, and ran alonf' the east bank of the creek. throug;h where
the village now i.s, to Xew Haven line. This highway, from
where it leaves the creek northerly, was six rods wide, an d south of
it, four rods. The riFTH was four rods wide, commencing at the
Salisbury line, and running by " the now dwelling house of Thom-
as Chipman,"' near Lochlin Wainwright"s present house, and cross-
es the river near Jonathan. Seeley's, and unites with the third of
the above mentioned roads. The sixth is a six rods road, and be-
gins " in the west line of an eight rods highv>'ay and on a public lot,"
(probably the glebe lot,) next east of the town plat, and north of
Philip Foot's ferm, and runs westerly by Eli Matthews', ''to the west
line of the highAvay running from the falls to Xew Haven,'.' near the
falls. The selectmen, in 1788, laid out a road From Philip Foot's,
and running into this near Millen Stowell's. In November of that
year, the selectmen also laid a highway, called " Preston's road,"
six rods wide, running southerly through Munger Street, thence
easterly by Abel Case's to the line betvfeen the two tiers of home
lots, and on that line to Torrance's. This line, south of the late
Samuel Severance's, has been discontinued. ' Other highways have
been, from time to time, located and altered by the selectmen. For
an account of these, we commend the study of the town clerk's rec-
ords to those who are interested in such studies.

All highways in a new country, especially in a stiff clay soil, like
that of Middlebury, after they are opened, are sufficiently difficult
to travel, especially in a wet season. Persons who are accustomed
only to our present conveniences for travel, and have no experience
of travelling through a region in the process of being cleared of a
dense forest, have little conception of the state of the roads in the
early settlement of the town. Something may be learned on that
subject by the representations stated elsewhere.

The opening and repairing roads and building bridges is one of
the first necessities of a new country. At the first town meeting
when any business was done, except the appointment of officers nec-
essary for the nominal organization of the town, a tax was laid " to
hsi worked out on the road ;" and a similar tax was laid, at every

HISTORY OF .MIIjDLEHCRY. 31 :j

subsequent town meeting, for several years. At an early day also,
when the inhabitants Avere few, and the lands were owned mostly by
absent proprietors, the legislature, in several instances, imposed
taxes on all the lands for this purpose. According to the general
laws of the State subsequently adopted, the selectmen in each town
were required to assess a tax, prescribed in the statute, to be paid
in labor on the highways. The town annually appointed the requi-
site number of surveyors, to each of whom the selectmen assigned
an appropriate district ; and the inhabitants in each assennbled, un-
der the order and notice of the survevor, Avith suitable tools and
teams, and were set to w"ork. For the building of expensive bridges,
or when other extraox'dinary expenses were required, the tov/ns were
authorized to lay an extra tax. This system was ndaptcd to the
early settlement of the country, when labor v/a.s more abundant
than money, and every one felt an urgent necessity to have the
roads improved. But in time it became less efficient, and the inliab-
itants became more and more inclined to pay their taxes, with as
little labor as possible. To encourage the payment of money instead
of labor, the legislature enacted, that every tax payer should have
the right to pay his tax in money, at a discount of twenty-five per
cent. This was an improvement of the system, but in this town it
has not provided such roads as we ought to have. The responsi-
bility is divided among too many surveyors, and little care is taken
of the roads, except at the general gathering in the spring. The
expenses of the ordinary small bridges have generally been paid
from the ordinary highway tax. But the expense of bridges, over
the creek and Middlebury River, have been paid from the funds of
the town.

The first bridge over the creek at the falls, subsequent to that
built by Daniel Foot in 1787, was erected in 1799. The first
bridge over the creek near Mr. Piper's, called the Three Mile
Bridge, of which we have any knowledge, was built in 1801,
although probably some cheap bridge had been built before. It ap-
pears by the proceedings of the town in November 1800, that meas-
ures were adopted for that purpose ; it was then called the " bridge
at Mr. Henshaw's farm," — Joshua Henshaw then owning the farm

814 HISTORY OF MIDDLEBlTvY.

now belonging to Mr. Piper. The bridge at the falls was next re-
built in 1811 ; and again in 1823, it was still more thorougly re-
built, from a tax of five cents on a dollar, and made payable in
materials, beef cattle, or money at a discount of 12 1-2 per cent. The
old wooden abutments were replaced with stone, and extended far-
ther into the river. One stone pier was built, but the committee
supposed a wooden trestle Avould be sufficient for tlie other part of
the bridge. The result was, that in the spring freshet in 18-32, the
trestle was swept away, and that part of the bridge fell. Tlie other
stone pier was then built, and that part of tlie bridge rebuilt, and
the timbers on the north part replaced a few 3'ears after. Besides
some incidental repairs and some nevr timbers, the whole bridge has
not been built anew since 1823, until the summer of 1855. At
that time a more firm and commodious bridge, than ever before, was
erected under the superintendance of Mr. (^^alvin Hill, first select-
man, and Mr. David Piper, architect. The abutments, piers and
bridge were raised two feet, with a broad side walk on each side,
extending their width beyond the whole width of the former bridge.

The Three Mile Brids-e, across the creek, and the road leading
from it to Cornwall, were not so much used by the people of Mid-
dlebury as by other travellers, and the town, desiring to get rid of
the expense of supporting them, at their meeting in March, 1815,
voted to discontinue both. At the term of the County Court in
December, 1822,. on the report of a committee appointed on the
petition of some of the inhabitants west of the creek, tliB court or-
dered a new highway to be established, somewhat varying from the
old one. At the next March meeting, in 1823, the selectmen were
ordered to build the bridge and "repair the road to Cornwall, or
build a new one." The selectmen not promptly obeying the order,
the town was indicted for the delay, and at the December term,
1824, were fined $284, with costs. At the next March meeting,
in 1825, the town laid a tax to pay the judgment, with which the
bridge and road were built. Since that time the town has sup-
ported both. The present covered bridge was built in 1836.

At the commencement of the present century, there was about as
much enthusiasm for turnpikes, to supply the deficiency of common

UISTUKY OF rJIDDLEUUKY. 315

roadg, as there has been recently for rail roads, and with about the
same results. The inhabitants of Middleburv, desirous of having
a more commodious connection Avith towns east of the mountain, the
legislature, at their session in this place in 1800, with half a dozen
other charters, incorporated the Centre Turnpike Company, with
the privilege of making a turnpike from the Court House in Middle-
bury to "Woodstock, with a branch to Royalton. This was a great
undertaking at the time, and the road was not wholly completed un-
til 1808. The toll on the road has never been sufficient to keep the
road in good repair, and has since, after a long struggle, been sur-
rendered to the several towns, except a short piece in Hancock, in-
cluding the steep descent on the east slope of the mountain, Avhich
that town Avill not consent to take. The road in Middlebury, from
the CoQrt House to the foot of the mountain, was surrendered to the
town by act of the legislature in 1817. From the foot of the moun-
tain east, more recently surrendered, the town has paid .$'300.
Daniel Chipman and Judge Keyes, of Stockbridgc, were the prin-
cipal superintendants and contributors, and the road has passed from
them with little remuneration for their labor and contributions.

The "Waltham Turnpike Company was incorporated in 1805, to
construct a road from the termination of the Centre Turnpike to the
Court House in Vcrgennes. Only that part of it which extends from
the village to the paper mill bridge was located in Middlebury. Gen.
Samuel tStrong was the principal manager, and most of the stock
fell into his hands. After struggling for many years with various
opposing interests, the legislature, in 1828^ passed an act declaring
the turnpike to be "a free public road," on condition the corpora-
tion should relinquish their claim. This they readily did.

We add, in this connection, a few alterations of roads about the
village. Previous to the year 1799, the highway running south
from the village, passed through Pleasant Street, and in that direc-
tion to the creek, and thence southerly on its bank. That year the
present road was opened, from the Court House south, and extended,
through what w"as called the Middle Road, to Bethuel Goodrich's,
and connected with the creek road near the mile bridge. In the
year 1799 the present road to the paper mill was opened, and the

316 inSTOllY OF MIDDLEBURY,

year previous, the road from the Court House to Dr. Bass's. Until
about the year 1811, the commonly trayelled road from the village
to Cornwall passed -over the hill north of the college, by the pres-
ent residence of Abraham L. \Villiamson, to a road running south
by Samuel Blodget's. Avhich is now closed. In 1803 the present
road was surveyed to the line of Cormvall, but was not opened for
travel beyond the residence of the late Dea. Porter until 1811.

Hi3Tu;;y or .mjM'I.liu-mv. 317

CllArTEU X\'l

SUl'i'Oirr OF TlIK POOR.

Tiib: laws of the state make airiplc provision fur the relief of the
poor ill the several towns ; permanently, if they have a settlement,
temporarily, -when they have no settlement, at the expense of the
town where they belong, or at the expense of the state, if they have
no settlement in any town in the state. The town of Middlebury,
from its organization, has made provision as required by law, for
the poor within its limits. But previous to 1822, no poor house
liad been provided. The necessities of the poor were relieved at
their residences, if they had any, and houses were rented for fami-
lies who had none. In case of individuals, v>-ithout families, who
needed permanent support, they were boarded, at the expense of the
town, in private families. Not unfrequently such persons, ^.t pub-
lic auction, were committed to the care of the lowest bidder. The
following are among the records of the town meetings :

March 1, 1804, '' Voted that Mrs. Frank, a pauper, be set up to
be boarded by the week, to the lowest bidder. She was struck off
to James Crane for a dollar a week."

jMarch 24 1817, '' Voted to set up some of the town poor to be
struck off to the person or persons, who will keep them at the
lowest price. Widow Frank bid off by Martin Everts, to be
kept for a year at one dollar, ninety-nine cents. Thomas Clark
bid off by Joshua Hyde, to be kept for three months, at one dollar
a week."

This may not seem to be a very christian mode of disposing of
the poor. But we believe they were always committed to respecta-
ble families, who provided sufficiently for their comfort. Besides,
this Mi-s. Frank Avas looked upon with little favor, and most people

thought her inability to support heraelf arose only from an indolent
23

318 HISTORY OF AriDDLEBUllY.

and obstinate disposition. At anj rate, Avith all her infirmities, she
contrived to outlive, by many years, the patience of the people."

At the annual meeting in 1822, the oVerseer of the poor Avas
authorized by vote " to rent a poor house under the direction of the
selectmen."' At the annual meeting in 1828, the tOAvn authorized
the selectmen to '• provide a poor house and furnish employment for
the paupers ;'' and the same vote was repeated at the next annual
meeting. Under the authority of this vote, the selectmen had,
previous to the annual meeting in 1825, purchased and used for a
poor house, the house and lot no\v' ovmed by Cyrus Morton, on the
street leading to the creek, south of the rail road depot. For some
reason the town seemed not to ha^e been fully satisfied with this'
arrangement, and the subject was agitated at several meetings until
in March 1829, when it was voted to sell the whole establishment,
and it was sold. Other plans were afterwards proposed, and in
1831, a committee was appointed to confer with the other towns in-
the county, as to tlie expediency of establishing a county poor
house, and petitioning the legislature to authorize it.

At an adjourned meeting in April 1839, it was " Voted to pur-
chase a farm for the accommodation and support of such persons,
as are or hereafter may become charageable to the town, and to pro-
vide such buildings and furnish the farm with such stock, as will be
necessary for the purpose said farm is intended for." A committee
was appointed, Avith full power to make the purchase and bind the
town for the payment, — " provided the amount does not exceed the
sum of ^6000." The committee were' also authorized to borrow of
the trustees the money belonging to the United States deposit fund,
as it shall, from time to time, be paid, and deposit the same with
the treasurer, to meet the orders they may draw for the purchase of
the farm ; and the trustees Avere directed to collect, within two
years, such part of said fund as may be needed for that purpose.

The committee purchased of Dan Dike the farm noAV occupied for
that use, in the south part of the town, containing one hundred
acres, with commodious buildings, being the south half of the orig-
inal Slasson pitch.

At the ]^Iai'ch me^tir^* ni lSi2, th^ sokctincn Trers instructed to

HI3T0KY OF middleruhy. 319

'borro^r, of the trustees of the deposit fund, " all said fund not

already' borrowed," except the amount due the State treasurer to

meet the claim required {o be refunded, after the census of 1840,

as elsewhere explained. At the annual meeting in 1844, the

selectmen were authorized to purchase an additional tract of land,

for the use of the poor establishment, not exceeding in amount the

balance of the deposit fund; and they purchased about sixty acres.

There has been expended for the farm, buildings, stock, farming

tools and furniture the sum of $7,013,33. Of the whole fund

tiiere has been lost, in small balances, the sum of .$176, by the

failure of the securities, and the loss of the notes by fire. As we

have stated elsewhere, the sum for which the town is responsible \s

. 87,501,76

F Expended on farm, 7,013,33

Lost, 176,00—7,189,33

i

On hand in the treasury, $312,43

o'lO HJ-TollY OF llIbDi,EUUP.Y.

CHPTER XVir.

HEALTH — DISEASES— MORTALITY.

Few places, we think, have been more healthful than Middlebiiry,
■vrith few exceptions, through its whole history.' At the time of it?
first settlement, the fevers and chills, which are so common in new
countries, prevailed here to a very limited extent, Snd were scarcely
known. There have been occasional epidemics, to Avhich we shall
refer. But the general healthtulness of the town is proved, as well
by the protracted ages of many of the first settlers, who remained
in town, and whose ages we have recorded, as b}'- the bills of mor-
tality. A very destructive epidemic commenced in the flill of 1812,
and continued to rage fearfully through the year 1813, and exten-
ded into 1814. It was a fever, which commenced and rapidly pro-
gressed, with symptoms new to the physicians, and beyond their
control. It is commonly designated as the fever of 1813. It was
confined principally to persons of adult age, and an unusual number
of heads of families were removed by it. The number of deaths,
in proportion to the population, was greater than in any other epi-
demic in Middlebury. In some of the neighboring towns it was
still greater. Some have supposed, that the disease originated from
the troops, employed in the war, while stationed here or passing
through the country. There is however reason to doubt this sup-
position. There Avas a recruiting station here, but the number of
troops collected here, at any one time, was small, and there wero
none, so far as we know^ in the neighboring towns, where the dis-
ease most prevailed. The troops, which passed through were not
delayed in this neighborhood. However that may be, the mortality
was very great for a few months. Dr. Merrill says, "the deaths in
Middlebury, during the months of January, February and March,
with a population of about 2300, was forty-seven."

HISTORY OF MIDDLEDURY. ii'Il

The ervsipelatoii.g fever prevailed to a fatal extent in 18:10. It
Avas particularly destructive by inducing puerperal fever, ^vliieh
proved fatal in almost every case, and many of the most respectable
females were removed by it. Of this epidemic, Dr. Merrill says,
" The number of deaths, between January 1st, and April 1st, was
thirty-five, nine of them by puerperal fever. Population 3000."'

In the fall of 1841, and winter and spring following, the erysip-
elatous fever again prevailed very extensively, as an epidemic, as
the writer of this sketch has painful occasion to recollect. The
mortality was large in both these years. According to the record
of the late Dr. J. A. Allen, the whole number of deaths from
November 8th to May 9th was fifty ; of the epidemic 34, of other
diseases IG. In several other years, of which we are not able to
fix the exact date, the typhus fever has prevailed, so as to increase
the average mortality, as has also the dysentery, especially among
children. And in some cases, where no particular disease prevailed
as an epidemic, the number of deaths from old age and chronic dis-
eases has been above the average. Such was the fact in 1829.

A remarkable mortality, among prominent citizens in the village,
occurred in 1855, when no epidemic prevailed. The following six
gentlemen died of the diseases mentioned Avithin six months, and
the first five within less than four months. Hon. Dorastus, Woos-
ter of '■ Fatty degeneration of the heart," January 11 ; Hon. Ira
Stewart of dropsy in the chest, February 13 ; Hon. Samuel S.
Phelps, of syncopy, induced by a prostrated condition of his system,
March 25; Rev. Thomas A. Merrill, D. D., of ossification of the
valves of the heart, April 29 ; Jonathan Ha^ar, Esq., softening of
the brain, April 20; Hon. Horace Eaton, of inflammation of the
bowels, July 4 — all except the last of chronic diseases.

The small pox has several times shown itself here. In January
1802, it prevailed to such extent, that the town meeting, on the
first of February, " Voted that the selectmen and civil authority of
the town of Middlebury be, and they hereby are, authorized to per-
mit inoculation for the small pox in the town, under such regula-
tions and restrictions as they may judge prudent, and prohibit at
their discretion ;" and a hospital was accordingly established, remote

322 HiSTGiiY OF i,nr)rjLi.i;un5r.

from the residences and ilioroughfares of tlio iiiimLiiants. In liie
spring of 1810, Luke "Wlieelock, a partner of David Page in the
mercantile business, and brother of the late Josephus Wheelock,
having occasion to visit Montreal in the prosecution of his business,
took the small pox, at that place, of which he died soon after his
return. At this time vaccination had been introduced to some
extent. But so much alarm prevailed, that some of the citizens,
not quite satisfied of the efficacy of that preventive, made applica-
tion for a town meeting which was held on the 14th of April, and it
was " Voted that the selectmen be authorized to allow, at their dis-
cretion, persons who have been inoculated for the kind pock, to be
inoculated for the small pox, xinder the direction of experienced
physicians, to be licensed by said selecctmen, and to license houses
for the purpose, if necessary. In the spring of 1820. some cases
of small pox occurred, and the patients Were removed to a hospital
provided for that purpose. Tatnai Prince, a colored man, who had
had the smell pox, when young, and had been accustomed to attend,
as a nurse, upon persons having that disease, was employed to take
care of the patients, and from them took the disease and died.

In January 1832, Miss Church, a young lady in the Female
Seminary was attacked with the small pox and died. One or
more others died of the disease, and several, who had been exposed,
narrowly escaped, by being vaccinated, in season to anticipate the
symptoms of the small pox ; and some, who had been previously
vaccinated, had severe attacks of the varioloid.

Rev. Dr. Merrill, when pastor of the Congregational Church,
kept a record of the deaths in town from 1806 to 1842 inclusive,
and Dr. Charles L. Allen, a similar record from 1849 to 1859 ;
Dr. Allen, from these, at our request, has furnished us the follow-
ing estimates of the mortality and diseases during those perioda.

HISTORY OF MILDLEUURY. 823

MurUdily of MUldlebnnj.

Recojds from 18)6 to 1842 inclusive— o7 ffears, by T. A. Merrill, D'. D.
1810 " 18'yj " 10 «' '• C. L. Allex, M. D.

Total number of deaths recorded, __.__- 1660
Annual average, ._-_----- 86

Annual per cent.. 1 '2-10— one death in 83 persons.

Add 25 per cent, as the probable number omitted —

Total number of deaths (probably) ------ 2073

AnnuMl avcr!i;:i;c •' .--_-. 44

Anriual per cent. 1 IT-l"!' — ono de;ith in 70 persons.

Tliu iiinst f;U.il ye:ii-s wei e —

181.;, Spotted h'ever. Mortality o per cent — one iu ?>"> pcrgchs.

182(), Ki-ysipela^. •■ 2 oij-lOO percent — one in 42 persontf.

1812, " ' 1 '.t-KJ " — " &2

The lea«t moi-iiljty oocuncd in tiic years; —

1817, mortalitv 54-liti) per cent. — one in ISR per.'-ons.
1824, '• " Oo-lOO " — " Lj:j '■•

Tlic deaths wore distributed among the inontlijt us follows:

iVfarch 17;i February 157 October loo June 104

August KM JanuiXiy 144 May 121 July 102

September I'l.) April Kv'.j Nov'r 107 December 100

The ages at death were a.scertained in 1573 instances. Of these 560, or 35 66-
100 per cent, were of children u; der live

More females than males died, the ratio being 4'6 35 100 males to 53 6-3-1 00
females.

Only during the last ten years have the causes of death been giv-
en sufficiently often to be of practical value.

The epidemic, endemic and contagious diseases, including scarlet
fever, dysentery, &c., have carried oft* about one-fifth of the cases,
more than half of these being under five years of age. The con-
stitutional diseases, such as consumption, dropsy, cancer, &c., com-
prise nearly one-third of the deaths. Consumption alone swept off
more than one-fifth of those dying in the last ten years, more than
one-half of these being between the ages of fifteen and fortv, du-
ring the periods of development and early adult life. Of those thus
taken away at the commencement of active life, tiiere were more
than twice as many males as females.

Not quite four per cent of the deaths were fr^m accident.-;.

1

82-1 HISTOitY OJb' MlDJL>Li;BURY.

About eio'lit per cent of the deaths were from old iv^c. or the luit-
ixral decay of the body.* *

The remaining deaths were mainly of local origin, such as dis-
eases of the brain and heart, pneumonia, kc. Pneumonia, compri-
ein'' about seven per cent of the deaths, has been fatal mainly at
the two extremes of life, among young children and the aged.

^Bctivec!! onc-fil't!i and one-quarter of the deaths were of persons over seventy
years of age'.

iilisToiir (/F MiDDi-EBCiii. 325

CHAPTER XTIll.

BANKS — STATK BANK — BANK OF MIDDTiEBURY— SAVINGS BANK.

The legislature, at their session in Mictcllebuly in 180C. estab-
lished a State Bank, with two branches, one at Middlebury and the
other at AYoodstock, and appointed directors for each, although con-
stituting but one board. The directors for this branch were Daniel
Chipman, Horatio Seymour and John Willard. Titus Hutchinson,
of Woodstock, was chosen President. No capital was furnished to
sustain its credit. The business was done on the credit of the state.
The pecuniary condition and habits of the people were hardly adap-
ted to the long continuance of a bank on such principles. It was
an agricultural country, and too remote from market for readily con-
verting its produce into money, wdiich of course was scarce.
T^he country was in debt, and punctuality was not to be expected
from the habits of the people. The traffic was generally conducted,
among farmers and mechanics, by an exchange of their respective
productions, and the foreign goods were generally paid for in the
same articles. These were transported by the merchants to market
twice a year, to pay for their' goods. Notes were generally made
payable in cattle or grain, or other specific articles ; and, when pay-
able in money, they were not generally construed according to their
tenor, but according to the convenience of the makers, if the patience
of the creditor Avas not sooner exhausted. Notes taken to the bank,
for loans, too generally received the same construction. But the
legislature, at their next session, established two new branches, at
Burlington and Westminster.

Dr. "William G. Hooker, whom we have mentioned elsewhere, as

an early resident and merchant, Avas the first cashier of this branch,

and continued, for some years, the principal manager of its internal

24

326 HISTOUY of MIDDLtBUUY,

operations. Being accurate, attentive and courteous in any branch
of business in which he engaged, and having made himself acquainted
Avith banking, he aftorded efficient and valuable aid in getting the
branch into operation, and, for a time, keeping it alive.*

The directors did Avhat they could to supply their vaults with spe-
cie, to meet the pressing demands upon them, by exchanging their
bills for gold and silver, and by inducing persons ■wanting accommo-
dations to refund their loans in specie. The legislature also adopted
various measures to keep up the credit of the bills and enforce
greater punctuality. Among others, to promote the former object,
they passed an act at their session in 1809. and others afterwards,
making the bills a '• lawful tender " in payment of all land taxes.
And to promote the latter, at their session in 1810, they passed an
act authorizing the cashiers, instead of the regular but slow course
of law, forthwith to issue extents on all notes unpaid, and on all
bonds given for the liberty of the jail yard, they were to issue '• close
jail" extents, depriving the debtors and sureties of any further ad-
mission to the liberties of the jail. In the same act they limited
the amount of loans. But all this did not succeed in keeping the
bank alive. The bills would depreciate, and speculators were so un-
civil as to buy them up at a discount, and present them for payment.
One learned director, who happened to be state's att-orney, endeav-
ored to induce the grand jury to indict one of these depredators, for
such uugentlemanly conduct, on the principle that the bank was not
established for any such purpose, but to accommodate the good peo-
ple of Vermont, who needed money.

The directors of each branch were made personally responsible for
the amount of blank bills signed by the president, and all other
property delivered to that branch. In the summer of 1812, the
banking house in i\Iiddlebury was entered by a false key, and a largo
amount, in specie and bills in sheets, or filled for circulation, was
purloined. The burglary was so adroitly and cautiously committed,

*He was otherwise a respectable and useful citizen, and forwai'd and active in
promoting every benevolent object. After he left Middleburj, he resided in Kew
Haven, Conn., whei'e he died, leaving hie widow and a daughter and son to mourn
his lc9s.

mSTOKY Of illblil.EBUKY. i!2T

that little disturlance was made to the internal appearance of the
bank, and the door was found locked as usual. The directors however
soon discovered that their money had been purloined,but the discovery
wag not so obvious to others, and they could prove nothing. Daniel
Chipman, Horatio Seymour and John Willard were still the direct-
ors of this branch, and were called on to account for the missing
funds. For the purpose of bringmg this claim to a speedy deter-
mination, the legislature, at their session in 1812, appointed the
judges of the Supreme Court commissioners " to determine all con-
troversies between the state and the late or present directors or otlier
officers of the bank," and authorized them to render judgment and
issue execution ; and in case the debtors were committed to jail, they
were not to be allowed the liberties of the yard. Although this law
was general in its terms, it was designed to apply particularly to
this case. The parties were summoned, and after the trial, the com-
missioners rendered judgment against the directors ot the Middle -
bury branch for $'28,826,13, and issued execution for the same.
The supposed delinquents, not satisfied with this judgment, applied
to the legislature, at their session in 1813, to remit it. The legis-
lature, after reciting in the preamble the judgment above mentioned,
and farther, that, ''whereas it has been made to appear to the sat-
isfaction of the General Assembly that the said judgment ought not
to be paid by said directors, excepting the sum of ^1238,84," en-
acted that the judgment be discharged on the payment of that sum,
or the execution ef a note for the same.

At the same session, the legislature enacted that, instead of the
previous number of directors, only three should be chosen, " so long
as it shall be necessary for closing the concerns " of that institution.
They also directed the treasurer to burn all the bills in the treasury,
being the amount received on taxes. But agents were appointed
from time to time, for several years, to collect the debts and dispose
of the lands received on debts due the bank.

It may not be out of place to say that the duplicate key, by which
the bank was entered, as above stated, was afterwards found in the
attic story of a house, crowded in above a rafter.

Soon after the close of the operations of the Yermont State Bank,

328 HISTOKY OF MTDDLEBURy.

applications were made, fram diflcrent villages, for cliarters for prir-
vate banking corporations. The legislature began rather cautiously,
at their session in 1818, and incorporated two institutions for bank-
ing purposes, one at Burlington and the other at Windsor. Others
•were added from year to year. The whole number of banks, at the
present time, is forty-one, with an aggregate capital of ^,4,041,500,
ranging from ,9;50,000 to $150,000 each.

Among others, the charter of the '• President, Directors and Cora-^
pany of the Bank of Middlebury "' was granted November 10. 1831 ,
•with a capital of ,'tplOO,000, divided into 2000 shares, to be pianaged
by seven directors. Only thirty dollars on each share, or ,900,000
was called in. It? existence was limited to fifteen years.

For many years no general system had been established, and the
establishment of banks was the subject of perpetual controversy, in
the legislature and among the people. Some were opposed to all
banks, and others contended for making the individual stockholders
liable personally for the debts of the corporation. For some years
this became the most agitating political question in the State. At
their session in 1840, the legislature passed a general act to govern
all the banks, which should be thereafter chartered or rechartered.
They did not adopt the principle of making the stockholders respon-
sible, beyond what they had paid in toward the capital. The re-
sponsibility was made to rest upon the directors, who alone are at
fault, if damages should accrue, from the mismanagement of the
bank. A restraint was also placed upon their transactions, and a
limit fixed to the amount of individual and aggregate loans, and
the directors were subjected to forfeiture if they trespassed beyond
those limits. Bonds were to be given by the directors an(J cashier,
to the satisfaction of the commissioner, whose duty it was made to
examine their proceedings, and the state of the bank, and make
report to the governor. This law was so satisfactory to the public
as to quiet all further agitation on the subject.

At the session of the legislature in 1845, tbe charter of the
Bank of Middlebury was renewed for fifteen years more, subject to
the general law of 1840. The capital, by that act and by an act
passed the following yeai', was increased to $75,000 by adding 500

shares to the capital stock, at 30 dollars per eliare. In ISoG tho
charter was again renewed until 1875, and 850 sliares, ut ,$30 each
added to the capital stock, making the whole capital ,^100, 500.

During the continuance of the original charter, Gen. "William
Na.sh of Xew Haven, was annually chosen president of the bank,
and since that, Paris Fletcher, Esq., has been the president. Joseph
Warner, Esq., has been the cashier from the beginning. No Ixink
has been more judiciously and safely managed, or has been subject
to fewer losses until recently. The directors were deceived, as every
one was, as to the responsibility of the Rutland and Burlington
Rail Road Company. They had extended their accommodations to
that company to a large amount, for their small capital, and on the
assignment of the road, they had so large an amount of the paper
of that and two other corporations unpaid, as to swallow the whole
of their surplus fund and compel the directors to suspend their div-
idends for a time ; and on the recent re-charter of the bank, they
■vt'erc compelled to provide for the deficiency, which still remained
of the capital stock, to the amount of five thousand dollars, by an
assessment on the old shares. The bank, for the first fifteen years,
was kept in the rooms at the north end of the hotel building. Since
that the directors have purchased the building adjoining it on the
north, and fitted it up in a handsome and convenient style, Avith a
very substantial vault for the safe keeping of the money and books.

" The jNIiddlebury Savings Bank '' was incorporated Xovember
12, 1836. It was immediately organized by electing the requisite
officers, and went into operation. The business was judiciously and
successfully prosecuted, and it became a very useful institution, for
persons having small and increasing funds, to invest. But, within
the last few years, the same agency, which has spread its destructive
influence over other banks, and over many individuals, has sent, at
least a temporary ruin into this institution. The treasurer had in-
vested a considerable amount of the deposits in the preferred stock
and bonds of the Rutland and Burlington Rail Road Company ;
through the failure of which the savings bank has become insolvent.
Its concerns are now in the hands of a receiver, appointed by the
Court of Chancery.

.^30 HISTORY OF .MIDDL#UUY.

CHAPTER XIX.

MANUFACTURES— FORGE AND GUN FACTORY — COTTON FACTORY —
GRIST MILL — warren's FACTORY — MID. MAN. COMP.ANY— MAR-
BLE MILL — FIRES — D. NICHOLS.

We have already incidentally alluded to some of the manufac-
tures, and we here notice others more particularly.

The forge, which we have mentioned, as established by Jonathan
Nichols, falling soon into other hands, was not long kept in opera-
tion. While the manufiicture of iron was carried on in it, the ore
was obtained in part from Monkton, but principally from Crown
Point, west of the lake. The gun fiictory was established chiefly
to manufacture guns for the government. Nichols and the owners,
who succeeded him, had a contract for the manufacture of one
thousand, which were finished, and inspected by Major Orr of the
army, and received by the government in 1802. jMr. Elias Hall,
who had been employed in the works, contined, on a small scale,
the manufacture and repair of guns for several years afterwards.

While Josiah Nichols, mentioned elsewhere, was employed in the
trip hammer shop, in company with Daniel Pettibone and Ezekie]
Chapman, in the year 1799 or 1800, they discovered a process for
welding cast steel, an operation which, although of great impor-
tance, it is said, was not previously understood in the country. In
1802, a patent was taken out in their names. Nichols, we believe,
never obtained any income from the patent, but one or both the
others, who removed to other parts of the country, used it and prob-
ably sold it to others ; and it is now in general use in the country.

In the spring of 1806, Lavius Fillmore, an experienced archi-
tect, came to this village, under a contract for erecting the Congre«

HISTUaY 01" MIDULEBURY. - S3 1

gatioual church. In February fallowing, David Page, Jun, from
Jaffiy, New Hampshire, established himself here in the mercantile
business. At the last mentioned date, Page and Fillmore purchased
of Judge Painter his mills and water power, on the east side of the
falls. Soon after, INIr. Fillmore removed the old mills, and made
preparation for erecting a ilouring and grist mill, on a larger and
more permanent scale. The result was the completion of the stone
inill and store rooms recently burnt.

As early as 1811, Mr. Page commenced the erection of the stone
cotton factory, on the grounds north of the mill. The obstructions
to the commerce of tlie country, during the European wars, by the
decrees of the French emperor, and the orders in council of the
British government, and the action of our own government in their
defence, had directed the attention of the enterprising people ot this
Country to the establishment of manufactories of our own. But the
machinery for manufacturing cotton in this country was very im-
perfect iind not easily obtained. ]Mr. Page set up puch machinery
as he could obtain, started his works on a small scade, and manufac-
tured some cloth before the close of the war, which he sold for fifty
cents a yard, and which might now sell for six or eight cents.

Mr. John Houghton, from Xew Ipswich N. II., who had been
employed in erecting machinery in the cotton mills in that place,
was first employed for that purpose in this factory. In the year
1817, Mr. Joseph Gordon, who had been employed in the manu-
facture of machinery, and had set up several factories in Scotland,
and is still living in this place, with his daughter, principal of the
Female Seminary, immigrated to this country and brought with him
drawings of machinery used there. Mr. Gordon built for Mr. Page
twenty power looms at that time. These, Mr. Gordon informs us,
were the first power looms ever built in the United States, except
six in Bhode Island, which were built by a Scotchman, who came
to this country the year before. Isaac ]Markham, an ingenious young
mechanic, who had worked under Houghton, was set to work and
manufactured the iron part of the machinery. He died, after estab-
lishing a distinguished reputation as a machinist, in 1825, at the
earh' as? of thirtr.

332 HlSTO'iiY or middlijeury.

x\fter these works -were completed, Pago and Fillmore divided
their property, Fillmore taking the mill and Page the factory.
During the war, and subsequently, Avhile large crops of wheat "wero
raised in the country, the manufacture of flour was prosecuted with'
great success and profit.

In the year 1821, Professor Fredel'ic Hall published, a '' Statis-
tical Aceount of the Town of MiddTebury," from which we propose'
to quote largely, as we can thus moi'e easily obtain the facts cor-
rectly, than from any other source. '• The first," he says, *' is a
grist mill, owned by Nathan Wood & Co. It is of stone, and the'
form of its- base is that of an L. 'Its lenirth on the side next to
the water is forty-fire feet, on the east side scventy-six, on the
street forty-five, and it contains five sets of stones, with screens'
and apparatus, moving with sufficient power to manufacture into'
flour eighty thousand bushels of grain annually. The situation of
this mill is singular ; and the plan, in part new, was formad by an
ingenious archetect, Mi*. Lavius Fillmore, to whom I am indebted"
for the following particulars relating to it. It stands on a solid*
rock, projecting into the creek about thirty feet up stream from the'
falls. After leveling the rock sufficiently for the foundation of the'
building, a vault was cut in it, 43 feet long, 25 feet deep and 18
feet wide, which brought it nearly even with the surface of the'
water, at the foot of the cataract. Then an inlet was formed, 26"
feet in length, through the solid rock, from the bed of the stream
to the vault, through which Avatcr, in sufficient quantity to carry
all the stones and other machinery, flows into a flume, 43 feet long,
six wide and eighteen deep, fortified by solid rock, on all sides, ex-
cept one, where the Water, in the ordinary manner, is thrown into'
six tub wheels, built on an improved construction, and placed in
the bottom of the vault." The Avater is discharo;ed " through a
subterranean outlet" into the creek below the falls. The mill can-
not be endangered by the highest floods. " The inlet and outlet of
the floom, being formed in solid rock, is subject to no decay, and
the wheels are entirely secured from the frost.

Mr. Hall says of the cotton factory : " The next establishment is
a large cotton manufactory, erected by Major David Page, who has

IlrSIOLlY uF Mll^DLECLlU'. 333

politely furnished mc ■\vitli a description of it. It id cunairucied
of grey and AvUite lime stone or marble, and its Avails arc thick and
very substantial. It is one hundred and fifty leet in length, thirty-
seven feet wide, six stories high at one end, and three at the other.
The present proprietor, ^Ir. Joseph Hough, informs me that the
building contains at this time (December, 1820.) eight hundred and
forty spindles for cotton, fifteen power looms, together v,hh. two wool-
len carding machines. The spindles produce a sufficient quantity of
yarn daily for five hundred yards of sheeting." This factory, not
long afterwards, became the property of the late Benjamin Marshall,
of Troy, N. Y.. a large manufacturer, who l^y his will conveyed it
fo Mrs Julia Carville, Avife of Mr. Charles Carvillc, of New York,
who no\7 has the title. Mr. I\larshall added a large quantity of
rnachinerv. and among others, increased the number of looms to about
one hundred. Ii has since been managed by different persons, as
agents or lessees. In 1849, Mr. H.W. Pitts, an experienced man-
iifactuTcr, took a lease of it, and has since carried it on prudently
and judiciously, and with success and profit to himself. It has ex-
changed much of the old, for new and improved machmery. He still
has one hundred looms, but has only sixty in running order. He
manufactures daily sixteen hundred yards of heavy sheeting, and from
one to eight hundred pounds of yarn, according to circumstances.

The mill; after the time mentioned by Mr. Hall, became the
property of Aaron and Timothy Hall, of Keene, N. H., both of
whom died and it was carried on by different persons under them
and their administrators, until the 16th of September, 1854, when
it was destroyed by fire, together with the store in front, occupied
by Nathan Wood, and the brick store of Gen. Nash adjoining, oc-
cupied by W. S. Lane for a clothing and furnishing store, and the
shop attached, occupied by L. Bertrand as a tailor. In the fall of
1855, the site and privileges of the mill, with its partially standing
w'alls, were purchased by ]\Jr. H. W. Pitts and Mr. Harmon Shel-
don, who have rebuilt it and set it in operation, with four runs of
stones and improved machinery, which is capable of manufacturing
one hundred barrels of flour daily.

We quote again from ProfesS'Dr Hall. •' On the opposiite side of
25

n

34 HISTOilt OP MIDDtECURY.

the river is another cotton manufactor j, o-.vned bj Mr. John AVar •
ren, Avho communicated the following facts. The building is of
stone, fiftj-eight feet in length, thirty-two in width, and forty in
height, containing six hundred spindles, with all the necessary appa-
ratus. They yield yarn enough daily for two hundred yards of
sheeting. Adjoining this is a stone building in which are eight
power looms, weaving, on an average, one thousand yards of cloth
a week. Under the same roof is a double fulling mill, or two stocks
on one Avheel, which for twenty years past has fulled twelve thou-
sand yards annually, also a double carding machine, which cards
from six to twelve thousand pounds of wool in a year.'"'

This is the factory into which John Warren converted his grist
mill, about the year 1813. He enlarged the building, and among
others erected, at the north end a stone building, mentioned by Mr.
Hall as containing his looms, and a wooden building over the shed
at the south end, which was occupied as a tenement for his employ-
ees. In the summer of 1825, this whole establishment was con-
sumed by fire. It was rebuilt by Mr. Warren, Stephen Ilinsdill of
Bennington furnishing a portion of the machinery. In 1835 the
whole establishment became the property of Ilinsdill, and he put in
the requisite machinery, and converted it into a manufactory of sat-
inet. In February, 1836, the factory took fire again, and the roof
and Upper part of the building, to the floor of the second story, and
the wooden building at the south end, were consumed. Not far
from the same time, the stone building at the north end tumbled
down, for want of a substantial foundation. The dam.age done by the
fire was soon after repaired.

In November, 1835, the '-Middlebury Manufacturing Company *'
was incorporated by the legislature, " for manufiicturing cotton and
woolen goods," with a capital of ,^5200, 000. In the summer fol-
lowing, sufiicient stock was subscribed and the company organized.
In the fall of that year, the company purchased of Ilinsdill his fac-
tory, added new machinery, purchased a large quantity of wool,
and prosecuted, with all their means, the manufacture of satinet ;
intending, in the spring, to enlarge their establishment for the man-
ufacture of vroolen gooda. As there wa? no means of transpoi-ting

HISTORY OF lirDDLEBURY. 835

^lieJr gooJs to market in the winter, a very large quantity had ac-
ouinulated bj the spring of 1837. By the time the goods could be
conveyed to market in that fatal spring, there was no market to be
found for them. Many of them Avere sold at half their cost, and the
sacrifice was so great and the market continued so much depressed,
that the stockholders were discouraijed from further prosecuting the
business. The corporation still own the works, and have since pur-
chased the works formerly ov/ncd by Capt. Moses Leonard and his
son-in-law, Andrew Rutherford. The grist mill in the basement,
and the saw mill, west of it, continued in operation, but the factory
remained idle until 1840. At this time, Mr. Jason Davenport and
Mr. Oliver P. Turner, two young practical manufacturers, took a
lease of the foctory, and part of the machinery, and prosecuted the
manufacture of woolen goods, with great success and profit. Tur-
ner died in 1847, and the business was continued by Davenport and
Charles D. Nash, and by the hotter until 1851. The factory re-
mained idle ac!;ain until 1854, when it was leased to Mr. Daven-
port and Valentiae V. C;ay, as paitnors, who arc still successfully
prosecuting the business.

We quote again from Professor Hall. " Proceeding down the
creek, on the western side, after passing two saAv mills, two grist
mills, a clothier's works and some other establishments of minor
importance, you come to the Marble Factory. The marble in this
village, which is now wrought on a large scale, and extensively dif-
fused over the country, was discovered by Eben W. Judd, the pres-
ent principal proprietor, as early as the year 1802. A building on
a limited plan was erected, and machinery for sawing the marble
(the idea of which had its origin in the inventive mind of the pro-
prietor) was then first put in operation. In 1806, a new and com-
modious building, two stories high, and destined to comprise sixty
saws, to be moved by water, was erected. In 1808, this enlarged estab-
lishment went into operation, and has continued to the present day."

•' The saws are made of soft iron, without teeth, and are similar
in form to those, which are used in sawing marble by hand, in the
large cities in Europe. The softer they are the longer they last."
The marble until lately has been obtained chiefly from a quarry,

'( n

3:30 HISTORY OF MIDLLEBURY.

situated witliin a fow feet of the mill. During three or four of the
last years, much has been prosurcd, at the time of low lyater, at
the bottom of the creek, immediatelj ab(3ve the fulls. It is raised
from its bed, partly by means of Avedges, but principally by blast-
ing." '• The marble, a,fter being sawed into slabs, is manufactured
into tomb stones, currier's tables, jambs, mantle pieces, hearths,
window and door caps and sills, side boards, tables, sinks and vari-
ous other kinds of furniture. These articles are transported to Mon"
treal, Quebec, Boston, New York and even Georo-ia. — The machinery
has sawn annually,frora five to ten thousand feet sinc^the year 1808."
This was the first manufacture of marble upon an extensive scale
established in this state, and the machinery for sawing on this plan
was first put in operation by Dr. Judd.* and has since been exten-

*Th8re is no doubt, we think, that Dr Judd was the first to put in operation the
machinery for sawing marble by water on this plan, now w extensively used through
the country; and it is the general understanding that he invented the machinery.
But it is now said that Isaac JIarkham, who was afterwards known as a very inge-
nious mechanic, and tlien only ten years of age, tirst conceievd the plan, and exhib-
ited a model to Dr. Judd, who built his first experimental factoryfor the purpose of
trying it This is now undex'stood to be the fact by the family connections of Mark-
ham, and his mother, who was an observing and intelligent woman, often so stated
in her life time. And it is thought, that was the I'cason l)r. Judd did not then
take out a patent for the invention. In 1822, he obtained a patent for machinery,
whictt he invented for raising and lowering the saws, as required in then- operation.
It is stated also on the same authority, that about the same time, two men were
engaged secretly in contriving and building a picking machine. Xo persons were
admitted to a siglit of the machine, lest the secret should be discovered, before a
patent was obtained. But Isaac, being a boy, was admitted without suspicion.
"When he went home he said he could contrive a better machine, and, with such
tools and materials as he had, formed a model, which, it is said, was adopted by
the men, instead of their own. Dr. William McLeod, of Poultney, a son of Mrs.
McLeod, mentioned elsewhere, and a nephew of Isaac Markham, iu a letter to his
brother Thomas H. McLeod of this place, dated March 11, 1859, says — "In the
year 1806 or 1807, when I first came to Middlebury, or shortly after, while uncle
Isaac Markham was living at his father's house, I frequently saw a model of what
was called a stone saw mill, in a i-oom he occupied as a shop. I also Tcry well
recollect of hearing the subject conversed upon in the family, and I feel confident
by others also, for some time after, in reference to the machine or its principle
having been taken or borrowed from his model and applied to a factory erected by
Mr. Judd for sawing marble." " I recollect hearing the subject of the invention of
the picking machine conversed about at the time referred to." " On another oo-

HT3T0UV Ol' Mir>Iil.EJi\JRY. 337

sively fulopted clsewhorc. lie was an ingenious and somewliat
scientific man, and having been committed to the liberties of the
jail here, on a judgment of the United States court, he set himself
to contrive some mode of employing his faculties, and obtaining the
means of subsistance. In anticipation of establishing the manu-
facture of marble, in the spring of 1803, he obtained from Apple-
ton Foot a lease for 909 years of the right to dig marble on any
part of his lot, between his house and the creek, the foundation of
wliich was marble throughout, and the privilege of erecting a mill.
He afterwards obtained a title to the land in fee, and occupied the
house on it, until he built, on the same site, the large brick house,
now owned by Dr. Nathaniel Harris.

Dr. Dwight, on his visit in 1810, says of this marble and its
manufacture, " A quarry of marble has been discovered in the
bank of the river just below the bridge, a continuation of the ledge,
which forms the falls. It is both white and dove-colored, elegantly
variegated, and of finer texture than any other, which has been
wrought hitherto in the United States, It is sawn, ground and
polished b}' water machinery : and is cut and carved, with an ele-
gance not surpassed on this side of the Atlantic."

After Professor Hall's account above quoted, Dr. Judd purchased
the quarry of beautiful block marble, on the lake shore in ShoK,e-
ham, which he transported by teams and extensively manufactured
at his mill here. In the year 1820, he received into partnership
his son-in-law, Lebbeus Harris, son of Lebbeus Harris, Senior. By
them the business was largely prosecuted, and agencies for the sale
established in some of the large cities, and in Western New York.
In 1837, the whole establishment was brought to a close by the
death of both the partners. Mr. Harris died in April, at the ago
of forty-five, and Dr. Judd, in September, at the age of seventy-
six. The mill has never been in operation since- Dr. Nathaniel
Harris, a brother of Lebbeus, who had also been engaged in the

casion. when uncle was employed in Waltham, Mass., he, in showiug mo the
machinery of the factory, referred to the picker, and remarked to me, that he waa
tho inventor, and alao referred to hi3 being the inventor of the machiue fcr sa'^vLng
marble."

333 HISTORY OF MI.DDLl.BUr.Y.

business in various ways, cantinued tlic manufacture on a smail
scale for a few years, but b:is now, for many years been in the prac-
tice of dentistry. Mr. Daniel Judd, son of Dr. Judd, still prose-
cutes the business on a small scale in a shop near the former factory.

At an early day. Rutus Wainwright and Jonathan AVainwright,
.Tun., sons of Jonathan Wainwright, Esq.. of Salisbury, established
themselves in the tin and iron business, on a small scale, and having
enterprize and energy, they enlarged their business from time to
time. Not long after the close of the war of 1812, they erected a
furnance below the mills, built by Appleton Foot, on the site of the
former forge, for casting stoves and other articles. They purchased
the store now occupied by Mr. Davenport, for their place of busi-
ness, and greatly enlarged it, as their business increased. In the
summer of 1826, their furnace was consumed by fii'e, with the
neighboring grist mill and trip hammer shop. They then purchased
the water power on the east side of the paper mill falls, and erected
there a new furnace and machine shop on an extensive scale. Their
principal business was the manufacture of stoves, which then went
into all parts of the state and into Canada, where they had agencies
for the sale of them. Rufus AYainwrigbt, some years ])efore his
death, withdrew from the concern, and devoted himself to his farm,
and by his labor and counsel, and liberal contribution from his large
estate, to the promotion of every importarit interest; our literary
and religious institutions and every important enterprise exhibit
the effects of his large liberality.

The business was continued by Jonathan Wainwright until his
death. In the meantime, after the death of Judge Painter, they
purchased his beautiful residence, together Avith a part of his lands.
Rufus occupied this house with his family until his death, and fit-
ted it up in an improved style. They also built, for a residence for
Jonathan, the large brick house, now owned by Hon. Joseph War-
ner. In this his family resided until his death. In their business
they were not only enterprising and judicious, in all their transac-
tions, but liberal with their employees and others with whom they
dealt. Jonathan Wainwright died in September 1845, aged fifty-
nine, and Rufus in March 185^. at the age of sixty-seven.

X Gr-OT.>iUe'% J.uh . Sovton

//^^*-Ly

r

^^^-^^^l_>uvtv^- A^

t T
f.?l

llIiTOHT or MlDDLl-BURr. 330

After the ilontli of" Joivatlum "Wainwriglit, Jason Dcivcnpovt pur-
chased the furnace and machine shop, and the store Avhich had been
tlie place of business of the partners, as "well r.s of Jonathan, and
became their successors in the iron and tin business, -which he still
prosecutes. His stove business is principally confined to sales at
home, but his other busintss has been greatly extended, so as to em-
brace every department of iron, hardware and agricultural tools.

In the fall of 185 1, Mr. N. II. Hand established a pail factory,
and for that purpose purchased the building erected by Dr. Judd
for his marble factory. In this he has established an extensive man-
ufactui-e, not only of pails, but of butter tubs, keelers and other
articles in that department. The timber Avhicli he uses is sapling
pines and ■white cedar. His works, ■when in full operation, are ca-
pable of manufacturing six hundred pails daily, lie has added
recently a mulay saw mill, on a new and ingenious plan, which he
thinks will saw double the quantity of lumber sawed by common
mills.*

In riddition to the fires, already mentioned, ■which haA'c destroyed
factories and mills in this neighborhood, we notice one or two more,
which completed the entire destruction of all the buildings originally
erected there. At an early period of the pre'sent century. — the ex-
act date we have not ascertained, — the forge and gun factory ■were
consumed. In March, 1831, at midnight, a fire broke out at the
south end of the bridge, which consumed the saw mill, then owned
by Daniel Ilenshaw, the building built by him on the lower side of
the bridge, in Avhich Gen. II. Warren and Timothy Harris had a
dry goods and grocery store, Jared W. Coj-Mjland his printing office,
and John A^allett his shoe shop, and on the opposite side of the
bridge, the building erected by Joshua Ilenslfaw, and then owned
by David Nichols,! in which Mr. Nichols had his leather store, and
Ephraim 11. Smith his dry goods and grocery store, and a part of
"which Avas occupied as a tenement.

*Since the above was 'written, the establishment has fallen into the hands of J.
JI. Slade &. Co.

tMr, David Nichols, mentioned above, was a tanner and currier, on an extensive
scale He owned a small divellipg house, in which he resided, and a tannery on

340 HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY,

CHAPTER XX.

PHIN'TING-— KEWSPAPEllS AN'D OTHER PErvIODICALS— BOOKS — POST
OFFrCE A.ND MAILS.

The first printing oflicc Avnsr establislied in Middlebury bj Joseph
J), lluntinsxton and John Fitch, vouncr men from Windham. Conn.,
in 1801. Thev commenced tlie publication of the Middleburv Mer-
cury, the first newspaper, on the 16th day of December of that
vear. Their business -was commenced in the buil'dino; at the south
end of the bridge. AVhere Nichols' brick building now stands, and
was afterwards, in February, 1804, removed to the building erected
by Jabez Rogers for a dwelling house, which was removed for the
i'ail road track. In 1806 the partnership was dissolved, and the'
business was continued by Huntington, and the Mercury was pub-
lished by him until 1810. To their establishment was soon added
the business of book binding. They also kept for sale at their office
a few books, such as were more generally needed in the country ;
especially school books, blank books and almanacs. In the fall of
1802, Huntington and Fitch published the first Vermont Register,
and the publication was continued by them and by Huntington until
1810. They published numerous jiamphlets, and a few other books,
and among them the " Law Magazine," by John Simmons, Esq.,
in 1804, the first book of forms published in the state, and " Dis-
courses on Religious subjects, by the late Rev. Job Jwift, D. D.,
to which are prefixed sketches of his life and character,"' in 1805.

WejbricVge Street. lie had pui'chased the building above mentioned for his leath-
er store. After its destruction, he built the large brick building, which bears his
name, on the same ground. He also, a few years before his death, built the large
dwelling house on Wey bridge sti-eet, now occupied by Professor Boardman. Hav-
ing occasion to visit New Yoi-kata time when the Asiatic Cholera prevailed there,
he was seized with that disease on his return heme, and died in October, 1849, in
the sixty-tbird year of his age.

HISTORY OF MIDDLEBUllY. 341

Since 1812. Weekly Newspapers have been published, without
interruption, and f'rcquentlj two and some times three, and occa-
sionally other periodicals. But the changes of the names and pub-
lishers have been too frequent to authorize a detailed history of
them. We therefore take the liberty to copy from Dr. Merrill's
account the following table with the addition of such as have been
smce published.

CO—' CVCO I~- C«-'t'l— C5

r- C3 ^^

S5

_ ^ ^ 03 .-^ : 1 :o

C 00

B 1-1

E-

-..'•'.•»- p. , ..

£ (M r- C) CN CC

*^ ^.cj.rr. '<^-j<a, O C « S P a

--■ .74 yj ^. ,-j -^ -; ^ ^ ^; — ■ -m ^ fj

. 5 ^7" "^ — 'iiTl i-l CO C-:MOr-<c>4

§00'- l;?; x -o rjo cT •-■^

'^ Pi-j^Vi o. < -^ O O /^ C --5 -^ .-s -5

£ .- '=:^,

s<; >5-.

M

- p: ^ n o

^ • =0000

5 S " S o ~ 3

=5 a 9 .2 .5 .:i to £ .« ^ ::3 S 3 < -q^^ ^^ y^a^

The colons (:) in the above table, indicate a change in the pub-
lishers and na^ios of the papers. Only six numbers of the Chris-

342 HISTORY UF MIDDLEBURy.

tian Herald were published, when the name was altered to Christian
Messenger. The Argus and Free Press were continued, when the
table was published in 1841, ])ut w^as discontinued not long after.
The People's Press, in the spring of 1841, was purchased by H.
Bell Esq., wlio commenced the publication on the 11th of May of
that year, and the paper was continued in his name until April
1849, some months after his death. The name was changed in
November 1843 to the Northern Galaxy, and in January 1848 to
Middlebury Galaxy. J. H. Barrett and Justus Cobb, Esqrs., had
contracted for the purchase of the establish met previous to Mr.
Bell's death, and commenced the publication in their names at the
close of the year, in April 1849. TTiey continued the publication
until Mr. Barrett withdrew from it in April 1856. The following
year it was published by Cobb and Fuller, and has since been pub-
lished by Justus Cobb and Rufus Mead.* The name was changed
in January 1850 to Middlebury Register, which is still retained.
The office has been i-ecently removed to the new building, erected
by Mr. Cobb, at the north end of the bridge.

The following table of original books published here we copy also
from Dr. Merrill's history.

?<A3iK.s. Avrncn?. packs, vot,. ^ize, tkab.

Vermont State Papers. William Slade, 568 1 8 to. I82;i

Fall of Palmyra, N. H. Wright, 143 1 24 ruo. 17

Remarkable Events, Leonard Deming, 324 1 12 mo. 25

Christian luetructor, Josiah Hopkins, 312 1 12 mo. 25

Youth's Etherial Instructor, Uzziali C. Burnap, 72 1 8 vo. 22

The Chri.s!iau Instructor In.structe«.I, Noah Levings, 237 1 12 mo. 27

Essay on Contract.*, Daniel Chipman, 224 1 8 vo. ' 22

Vermont Report.'^, Daniel Chipman, 640 2 8 vo, 24

Vermont Reports, . Supreme Court, 2306 4 8 vo. 37

The following have since been published : Life of lion. Nathan-
iel Chipman, LL. D., by his brother Daniel Chipman, 1-646. Me-
moir of Seth Warner, by Daniel Chipman, L. W. Clark, Pub-
lisher 1848. Memoir of Thomas Chittenden,andHistory of the Con-
stitution, by Daniel Chipman, 1849. Catalogues of the Principal

'■Reoer.t'!"— ApriJ 1833 — \;r Cohb >.33 soM his -interest in the establiahmsut to
T\'illinm .1. Fnllfr, n.iv'l it is no-.r conducted br Mead and Fuller ns partners.

lilSTORY OF MIDDLEBI'RY. 24-S

Officers of Vormont, 1778 to 1851, by Leonard Deming. Cata-
logue of the Graduates of Middlebury College, embracing a Bio-
graphical Register and Directory, by Thomas Scott Pearson, A. B.
Several Pamphlets have also been published.

Previous to the vear 1810, a limited assortment of books had
been kept by printers, different merchants and by Olcutt "White a
book binder. In that year the writer of this sketch, believing the
interest of the community required a more ready access to useful
books for general reading, established a bookstore Avith a more gen-
eral assortment : and about the year 1813, Hon. William Slade es-
tablished another. Several religious and other books were pub-
lished by each of these establishments. Jonathan Hagar, Esq.,
succeeded and for many years continued an extensive bookstore es-
tablishment. Not long before his death in 1855, he relinquished
the business ; and Lucius W. Clark, who had previously opened a
bookstore, contirflied it until his death in 1852. It was afterwards
continued by his son Lucius Clark, and is now kept by Solomon
Parker, in what is called Allen's Block. In the meantime Albert
H. Copeland has, within a few years, opened an establishment for
the sale of the periodical literature of the day, — newspapers and
magazines, — with a general assortment of new publications and
stationery, which has increased to an extensive establishment, and
has lately been removed to Brewster's Block.

POST OFFICE AND MAILS, IN THE VILLAGE.

From a communication from the General Post Office, obtained at
our request by Mr. IL'L. Sheldon, it appears that the post office
was first established in this place in July 1793, and that Robert
Huston was appointed the first postmaster. The first three books
in the post office department, having been burnt, in the destruction
of the building belonging to that department, the e.xact date of the
appointment of postmasters cannot be ascertained, but are suffici-
ently learned by the accounts in the auditor's office. The follovfin^
is the list of appointments, as furnished by the department.

" Post Office at Middlebury establislimed in the month of July, 1793

■Robert Huston appointed postmaster do 1798

VAA

HISTORY 01' MIDDLKBURY.

Samuel Foot a

ppointed postmaster

Jane

--1797

Hoi'atio Seymour

do

December

1800

George Cleveland

do

October

1809

Calvin C. Waller

do

14

Jliiy

1829

Erastus W. Drury

do

31

Decomber

1836

Charles Bowen

do

5

March

1842

Edv/ard D. Barber

do

16

Jlay

1645

Emerson R. Wright

do

9

October

1849

Asa Chapman

do

3

May

;i849

Emerson R. Wright

do

20

July

1853

William P. Russel

do

2a

May

1857

We regret that we have not obtained the dates of the changes, in
the frequency of the mails and the income of the office, from time
to time, that we might the better ascertain the progress of the bus-
iness in this department from its small beginnings. The office when
first established was kept a mile from the village, and the mail was
not probablj received oftener than once in two weeks.. The popu-
lation^ then scattered over the whole town, could nqt have been over
five hundred ; there was little business which required the use of
the mail for its transaction ; the newspapers, which penetrated into
the wilderness were few and the whole mail matter was small. Now
crowds besiege the post office on the arrival of the mail every day,
impatient for its distribution.

In the fall of 1793, the year in which the post office was estab-
lished in Middlebury, the legislature passed an act, granting to
Nathan Bellows of Poultney, " and his heirs" and assigns the sole
and exclusive right and privilege of running' a stage or stages on
the route from Rutland to Burlington," " for and during the term
of ten years." '• After the expiration of two years from the pass-
ing " of the act, he was required " to run his stage from Rutland
to Burlington and back again to Rutland in every two weeks for
the term of four years," and after the expiration of six years, dur-
ing the remainder of the term, he was required to perform the ser-
vice every week, and he had the '-liberty to suspend the running of
the stage eight weeks in every spring and four weeks in every fall "
during his whole term.

Mr. Bellows had probably, at the time, the contract for carrying
the mail on this route, and the act was probably passed with refer-

HISTORY OV MIDDLEiiURY. 345

erence to tlic then present and prospective arrangement for carrying
the mail, as ^\ell as to the condition of the roads, and the travel ou
them. For the first four years, wc suppose, the mail was carried
through the route once in two weeks, and for the last six years to
1803 once a week. When the stage did not run, the mail was car-
ried on horse back. In the fall of 1801, when the writer first came
to Middlebury, and some time after, a two horse waggon for a stage
■was run by Mr. Wheelock of Kutland, who also carried the mail,
once a week, starting from Rutland, on Monday morning, and
reaching IMiddlebury the same day ; Tuesday it reached Burlington,
Wednesday St. Albans, and the three following days returned to
Rutland. Afterwards the mail was carried twice and then thrice a
week, and now for many years daily.

POST OFFICE IN EAST MIDDLEBURY.

The post ofiicc in East Middlebury, was established January 29,
1834 ; and tho following is a list of the postmasters since that time,
with the dates when they entered on the duties of their office.

Timothy Mathews, Jun.,

January 29

1834

Levi Needh am

November 21

1837

Orleans P. Torrance

April 1

1846

Levi Needhara

January 21

1850

Royal D. Farr

July 5

1854

■4G HISTORY OF Mn>l)LEBUKT.

CHAPTER XXL

PROFESSIONAL MEN — LAWYERS — PHYSICIANS.

In the course of our history, we have had occasion to mention
several of our professional men. We here add short notices of
others, who have been or are in the practice of law in town.

Beaumont Parks Esq. was admitted to the bar in 1811, con-
tinued in the practice some years, and removed to Indiana, where
he was employed in teaching.

E,OBEP.T B. Bates Esq., originally from Connecticut, had been
in practice a short time in the State of Delaware, and was admitted
here in June 1813. He Avas in the practice here fifteen or twenty
years. During that time he was elected a representative of the
town six years, three of which he was Speaker of the House of
Representatives. He afterwards removed to Albany and thence to
New York, where he died a short time after. Mr. Bates was a
man of talents and vivid imagination; and of considerable attain-
ments in literature as well as in lavr. He was also an eloquent and
popular advocate ; and in short was like a splendid, but short lived
meteor.

Eev. Joel H. Linsley D. D., son of Hon. Joel Linsley of
Cormvall, and brother of Charles Linsley Esq., was licensed as a
lawyer in December 1815. Ho commenced practice as a partner
of Hon. Peter Starr. But after a few years, he thought it his duty
to leave the profession tor the ministry. He was successively set-
tled as a pastor in Hartford Conn, and in Boston ; for several years
afterwards he was president of Marietta College in Ohio, and for
the last few years has been settled as a pastor in Greenwich Conn.

Hon. DoRASTUS Wooster, son of Moses Wooster of Cornwall,
was licensed in December 1816. He pursued the study of la\y in

KISTUUY or MIDM/^1!L'11Y. 34T

the office of J udgc Doolittle. lie opened an office and continued
his practice more or less until the time of his death. His practice
was interrupted for some time by his appointment as Judge of the
County Court. Under the old judiciary system he was appointed
chief Judge in 1824, and assistant Judge from 1825 to 1831, and
from 1844 to 1846. Ho Avas also assistant Judge at the time of
his death, having been elected the flill previous. He was also a
member of the State Senate in 1840 and 1841. He died suddenly
in January 1855, in his sixty-eighth year.

Hon. GnoRGE CiiiPMAN, son of Hon. Daniel Chipman, was ad-
mitted to the bar in Juno 1821. He commenced practice as junior
partner of his father, and continued in practice here twelve or fif-
teen years, and during the time held the appointment of State's
Attorney from 1827 to 1830 inclusive. Business of a different
character called him to Canada, where he resided several years.
After his return from Canada, he resided a few years in Ripton,
and during the time was assistant Judge of the County Court from
1846 to 1849. He has since been employed in the State Depart-
ment in Washington, until recently he has been removed, and has
resumed tiie practice of law in that place.

Cn.\ULES LiNSLEY Esq., brother of Joel II. Linsley mentioned
above, was licensed in Franklin County in 1823, and immediately
estal)lished himself in the practice in this village. He has contin-
ued the practice, as counsellor and advocate, here and in the neigh-
boring counties until the present time. He has recently opened an
office in Rutland and removed his family there, but has not relin-
quished his business in this county. His practice was partially in-
terrupted by being engaged six or seven years as a director and so-
licitor of the Rutland and Burlington Railroad Company, and as
railroad commissioner under the act of 1855, for two years.

Edward D. Barber Esq. was graduated at Middlebury College
in 1829. He had interested himself in politics before he left col-
lege. Immediately after, he became the editor of the Antiraasonic
Republican, which was started through his influence, and he contin-
ued its editor until 1832. From 1832 to 1836 he was editor of the
Middlebury Free Press. While having charge of these papers, bo

[

■348 HISTORYOF MIDDLEBURY.

prosecuted, as his engagements would permit, the study of the law.
He was licensed in June, 1884. In 1831. he was appointed sec-
retary to the Governor and Council ; in- 1832 and 1833, he repre-
sented the town in the House of Representatives, and officiated as
clerk of that body in 1834. He remained an active politician through
life, and was always an ardent advocate of reform and every meas-
ure which he thought adapted to ameliorate the evils of society.
He was frequently called on to deliver orations and address public
assemblies, and was successful in such efforts. But his party being
generally in the minority, his political influence and distinction -did
not increase according to the promise of his early political precocity.'
His talents and scholarship were much above the ordinary rank.
For a man as fond as he was of stirring out door service, he attained'
a good knowledge of the law, and was' a successful advocate. The
property of the Glassfactory Company, at Lake Dunmore, having
fallen into- his hands, he Wished to convert it to some productive use,
and procured the incorporation of a Hotel Company, which erected,
principally under his direction, the splendid establishment there, for
the accommodation of summer visitors, and winter parties. He was
there temporarily with his family, v,hen he was taken sick and died'
on the 23d day of August 1855, at the age of forty-nine.

Philip Battell Esq., son-in-law of Hon. Horatio Seymour,
who had been for some time in tlie practice of law in Cleveland,
Ohio, returned with his wife in declining health to Middlebitry, and
was admitted to the bar in this county in December 1839. But he
chose to devote himself to literary pursuits and the education of his
children, and did not engage in the practice of his profession. He
was graduated at Middlebury College in the class of 1826.

Julius Augustus Beckwith, a son of Zechariah and Julia
(Smith) Beckwith, was born at Monkton in this county, w|jere his
father then resided, on the 10th day of February 1821. In May
1827, the family removed to Middlebury, and have since resided in
this village. The subject of this notice was graduated at Middle-
bury College in 1840. He was a good scholar and excelled espe-
cially in literature, and bore a prominent and honorable part in the
public exercises of his class, at the time of their graduation. He

XGrozcltff LiihJBortp-n.

HE .NEW YORK

: ^^JRARY

\

HiSTCfllY OF :.I1I)1)LEBURT. 349

pursued his professional studies in the office of Hon. Horatio Sey-
mour, and was admitted to tlic bar in 1843. He commenced and
for a few years continued the practice as a partner of Charles Lins-
ley Esq., and has since continued it alone. His practice was always
extensive and increasing, and he left numerous clients to mourn his
decease. He was laborious in the discharge of his professional
duties, punctual in all liis engagements, diligent as a student, and
made himself thorougly ac([uainted with the points and law of the
cases, in which he was employed. He excelled especially as an ad-
vocate from the commencement of his career. He was a ready and
popular speaker, his style was classical and his arguments well
arranged, clear and forcible. He was elected a member of the House
of Representatives in the year 1854 and 1855 ; and his prospects
were prominent for still further advancement, in public life, when
arrested in his career.

IMr. Bcckwith was also distinguished as a citizen, companion and
friend. Full of life and animation himself, he imparted animation
and good feeling to all circles in which he moved. He made him-
self particularly interesting to all young persons, who came in con-
tact with him. Always companionable, he drew to himself many
warm and attached friends. He devoted much attention to literature,
and possessed, for a professional man, more than ordinary literary
attainments.

Mr. Beckwith, when about fourteen years of age, had deep relig-
ious impressions ; and his friends entertained strong confidence that
he was a christian. When, in the midst of his classical and pro-
fessional studies and rivalsliips, he looked forward to the soenea,
which were before him, and in which he was to bear a part, his ar-
dent temperament and hopeful disposition invested the wide woi'ld
and its pursuits with a bright and cheerful coloring, and inspired
him with an ardor and ambition, which, for a time, took the place
of his religious impressions. He was not chargeable with immoral-
ity, and he was ever a friend and supporter of the instiutions of re-
ligion, in the church and society, with which his associations more
immediately connected him. But otherwise he appeared to the

world regardless of the higher claims of religion, and, with his con-

27

350 IIISTOHY OF illDDLHBUKY.

stitutional ardor and undivided devotion, he engaged iii the businessT
of his profession, and in the amusements and gaieties of life.

But two or three years before his death, he was brought to a
more serious consideration of the subject of religion, as he after-
wards stated, and felt deep sorrow for his neglect of its claims, and
especially for his ingratitude to his Savior, who, he thought, had
followed him in all his wayward course. It was his intention then
to show himself more decidedly and publicly on the side of religion,
by uniting with the church. But the pressure of his professional
duties, for which he afterwards expressed regret, delayed the execu-
tion of his purpose. When he was first attacked with the disease of
which he died, and some months before its termination, and when others
had no apprehension of a fatal result, his religious impressions re-
vived, and he conversed freely with his friends on the subject. As
he drow near the close of his life, in the full possession of his mental
powers, he expressed still deeper sorrow for his neglect of the pro-
fession and duties of religion, but expressed a satisfactory reliance
on the mercy of his Savior, of whom he always spoke with the most
ardent adoration and gratitude. And when, two or three days be-
fore his death, he was told that his disease was incurable and he'
would soon die, he received the announcement with calm resignation.
He continujcd to the close in a similar frame of mind, and expressed
no desire to live except to convice the world of the sincerity of his
faith. The closing scene was triumphant, although peaceful, and his
last words were — " Thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory,
throudi our Lord Jesus Christ." He died on the mornino; of Thanks--
giving, December 3, 1857, in the thirty-seventh year of his age.

Mr. Beckwith Avas married on the 28th day of June 1847, to Miss
Abby M. Wainwright, daughter of Rufus Wainwright Esq., and Mrs.
Abby (Sargeant) Wainwright. Being an only daughter, her parents'
were unwilling that they should leave them, and they remained to'
constitute a part of Mr. Wainwright's family. Besides the dis-
tressing bereavement of Mr. Beckwith's widow, his death brought
deep afliiction and sorrow alike upon the parents and inmates of two
mourning families for the loss of a beloved son and brother.

Edward J. Phelps Esq., son of Hon. Samuel S. Phelps, was

HISTORY or middli;bury. 351

graduated at Middlebuiy College in 1840, pursued the study of law
at the law school of Yale Collefje, and iu the office of his father in
Middleburj. He was licensed in 1843, and commenced the prac-
tice here in partnership with E. D. Barber Esq., and after an ex-
tensive and increasing practice for two or three years, removed to
Burlington, where he continued his practice until 1855, with an in-
terruption of two or three years, while he held the office of second
controller in the treasury department m Washington. In 1855 he
removed to New York, but continued his practice also in the coun-
ties of Addison and Chittenden ; and has recently returned to Ver-
mont and fixed on Burlington for a residence.

DuGALD Ste'WART Esq., son of lion. Ira Stewart, was graduated
at Middlebury College in 1842, and was admitted to the bar in De-
cember 1847, but was immediately employed in the financial de-
partment of the Rutland and Burlington Railroad Company, and
now holds the office of County Clerk for this county.

• Erastus W. Drury Esq. was admitted to the bar at the June
term of the County Court in 1836. When he came to INIiddle-
bury, a few years before, he was employed as the editor and pub-
lisher of a newspaper, and, in tho meantime, pursued the study of
law preparatory to his admission. In December following he was
appointed postmaster, and continued in that office about six years,
so that he did not enter actively on the profession of law: After-
wards he remained in practice a few years, — principally in partner-
ship with Charles Aiken Esq., who removed here from Springfield
in this State, where he had been in practice, — and removed to Fond
du Lac, Wisconsin, where he resides. Mr. Aiken also removed to
Wisconsin.

The following are the present resident lawyers.

Hon. Peter Starr, son of a clergyman of the same name in
Warren Conn., was graduated at Williams College in 1799, and de-
voted the following year to the business of instruction, as the first
preceptor of an academy then just established in Westfield Mass.
The succeeding year he officiated as tutor in Williams College. He
pursued his professional studies partly in Williamstown Mass. and
partly iu the office of Samuel Miller iu this place. He was ad-

352 HISTORY OF MIPKLEBURY.

mitted to the bar in this county in February 1805, and immediately
opened an office -with an extensive and increasing practice. He has
been several times called by the suffrages of the people to represent
the town in the House of Representatives, and the county in the
Senate. He was chosen a member of the Council of Censors in
1841, and has filled numerous offices and trusts in town. Except
these partial interruptions, he hag continued an extensive practice,
— as counsellor and advocate — until within a few years past, the
infirmities of increasing age have induced him to relinquish its Ac-
tive duties. In 1819 he was elected a member of the corporation
of Middlebury College, and has since been a prominent and influen-
tial member of that body. He is also a member of the corporation
of Addison County Grammar School, and has always afforded effi-
cient aid in the promotion of our literary institutions.

OziAS Seymour Esq., son of Hon. Horatio Seymour, was grad-
uated at Middlebury College in the year 1820. He pursued his
professional studies at the Litchfield Law School, and was admitted
to the bar in this county at the June term 1824. Since that time
he has continued in extensive practice in this village, a part of the
time in partnership with his father, and part of the time separately.
He was chosen and officiated as State's Attorney for the county for
six years from 1839, and was a member of the Constitutional Con-
vention in 1850.

Jedidiaii S. Bushnell Esq., son of Rev. Jedidiah Bushnell of
Cornwall, was graduated at Middlebury College in 1826, and was
admitted to the bar in June 1830, after having pursued his profes-
sional studies in the office of Hon. Peter Starr. He immediately
entered into partnership with Mr. Starr, and afterwards with Mr.
Barber. He had afterwards a separate office : and until recently
has held the office of Register of the Probate Court since 1841.

Emerson R. Wright Esq. was graduated at Middlebury Col-
lege in 1838, studied law with Edward D. Barber Esq. and was li-
censed to practice in June 1842. He immediately commenced the
practice in partnership with Mr. Barber, which was continued a
short time, and he has since continued the practice separately until
the present time. He held the office of postmaster during the ad-

HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY. S53

ministration of Mr. Pierce, and for a short time under the adminis-
tration of Mr. Polk.

John W. Stewart Esq., son of lion. Ira Stewart, was gradu-
ated at Middleburj College in 1847, and immediately entered upon
the study of law in the oflSce of lion. Horatio Seymour, lie was
licensed in December 1849, and immediately opened an office for
the practice of his profession, and still continues in extensive prac-
tice. He was elected State's Attorney three successive years, com-
mencing in 1851, and has represented the town in the House of
Reprtjsentives in the years 1856 and 1857. Since 1851 he has of-
ficiated as secretary of the corporation of Middlebury College.

William F. Bascom Esq., after his graduation at Middlebury
College in 1838, entered on the business of teaching, and was for
five or six years a tutor in Middlebury College. He was afterwards
principal of several literary institutions. He had also been for
several years principal of the Female Seminary in this village,
and in the meantime pursued the study of law, and was admitted to
the bar in December 1855. He opened an office in the village, but
continued, for a short time, his connection with the seminary, so
far as to superintend its general interests. In the spring of 1857,
he removed to Minnesota, and afterwards to Lasalle in Illinois. He
has since returned to the east, and has recently — May 1859 —
opened an office in this village. During his former residence in
Middlebury, he was elected to represent the town in the Constitu-
tional Convention of 1856.

RuFUS Wainavright Esq., son of the late Rufus Wainwright,
was graduated at Middlebury College in 1852, having pursued his
preparatory studies at the Addison County Grammar School. He
was admitted to the bar in December 1856, and has his ofiice in the
rooms occupied by his brother-in-laAv, Julius A. Beckwith Esq.

physicians.
Dr. William Bass, from Windham Conn., pursued the studies of
his profession at Westfield Mass., when there were no medical
schools in the country, but the honorary degree of Doctor of Med-
icine was conferred on him by the corporation of Middlebury Col-
lege in 1825. He settled in Middlebury as a physician in 1797,

354 HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY.

•when a young man. Soon after he purchased, as before stated,
the dwelling house and part of the farm formerly owned by Capt.
Stephen Goodrich, east of the village. In this place he continued
to reside until the time of his death. In the meantime he built the
large house on the premises, and otherwise enlarged and improved
the homestead. Immediately on his settlement here, he entered into
an extensive and increasing practiee, which was enlarged by the
removal of Drs. Willard and Matthews to other spheres. He was
not only a skilful and faithful physician, but, by his social disposi-
tion and manners, became popular and a favorite in many faijailies,
in this and the neighboring towns. Ilis practice was laborious and
profitable, until near the close of his life, the infirmities of age and
disease forced him to retire from it. lie possessed sound judgment
and practical common sense, and was popular as a man, as well as
physician, and had an extensive influence in town and was often ap-
pointed to places of trust. He was distinguished for his benevo-
lence in all his relations, and for his liberality to all our literary,
religious and benevolent institutions. He was also a prominent and
influential member and deacon of the Congregational Church. Ilia
death occurred in March 1851, at the age of seventy-five.

Dr. Jonathan Adams Allen died at his residence in this vil-
lage on the 2d of February, 1848, at the age of sixty. At a meet-
ing of Addison County Medical Society in the same month, his death
was announced, appropriate and highly commendatory resolutions
were adopted, and Dr. S. Pearl Lathrop, of jMiddlebury, was ap-
pointed to prepare a biographical sketch of him, which was after-
wards ordered to be published in the Boston Medical and Surgical
Journal. This sketch we have before us. Our limits will alloAV
us to U5e only a part of its materials, with such others as we possess.

The subject of this sketch " was of poor but respectable parent-
age." His father was Amos Allen, son of Seth xMlen, who was an
immigrant to this country from Wales. His mother was daughter
of Abel Smith, and grand-daughter of Jonathan Adams of Medway,
from whom he received his name. The mother of Jonathan Adams
was killed by the Indians, and he, after his head was dashed against
a stone, was left as dead, but was afterwards found alive, and be-

HISTORY OF illDDLEBURY. 855

came distinguisheil ia various departments of public life. Ttirouglr
liim Dr. Allen's gcncology is traced to the origin of the family of
John Adams and his son John Quincy Adams.

Dr. Allen Avas born at Ilolliston, Mass., on tlie 17th day of No-
vember, 17S7. His father at an early day removed with his fam-
ily to Ne^vflne. Vt. Here he labored with his father on the farm.
During this period he had only the advantages of a common school
education. But having a thii'st for learning, he purchased books for
himself by trapping and selling furs. By this means he was able
to store his mind with much useful knowledge. On the 17th of
November, 1808, his 21st birth day, he started with a bundle con-
taining his wardrobe, ta "seek his fortune.'' Ho engaged in the'
duties of a school teacher, in the Wclst Village of Townshend, in
this state, and immediately made arrangements with the minister of
the parish to be instructed in Latin. In this position he remained
for several years, and afterwards gave his attention more directly to
studies preparatory to the practice of medicine under the tuition of
Dr. Paul \Vheeler of Wardsborough. He also attended the lec-
tures at Dartmouth College, under Dr. Nathan Smith, and there he'
received his degree of Doctor of Medicine, August 24, 1814. Af-
ter a practice of two years at Wardsborough, in partnership with Dr.
Wheeler, his instructor, he removed toBrattlcboro in August, 1816,

In October, 1820, he was appointed to deliver lectures on Chem-
istry in Middlcbury College, which he continued until 1826. He
removed his family to Middlebury in the spring of 1822. and com-
menced practice here; and at the same time, he was appointed Pro-
fessor of Materia Medica and Pharmacy in the Vermont Academy
of Medicine, then in connection with Middlcbury College. In this
office he continued until 1829. He continued the practice ot his
profession in Middlcbury until his death. His practice as a surgeon
and physician was always extensive and increasing from year to
year, and was not confined to the town or county in which he resi-
ded ; but in cases of surgery and difficult cases of disease, he was
often called beyond the limits of the state. Notwithstanding his
great labors in his practice, he was always persevering in his stud-
ies, and employed all his leisure hours in the diligent pursuit of

S5G HISTORY 01^ MIDDLEBURT.

knowledge. He not only became a learned physician, but directed
his studies to other sciences, and especially to those branches of nat-
ural history more immediately connected with his profession. Among
other specimens of Natural History, he made a handsome collection
of minerals, which were purchased by Middlebury College, and con-
stitute an important part of their cabinet. Several scientific arti-
cles which he wrote Avere published in Silliman's Journal of Sci-
ence. He also published a still greater number of articles, on va-
rious branches of medical science, and the laws of nature, as appli-
cable to the practice of medicine, in the Medical Journals. He vv^as
a prominent member of the State jNIedical Society, and an active
and much respected member and officer of Addison County Medical
Society, up to the time of his death.

Dr. Allen had many traits of character, besides his learning,
which endeared him to his friends, professional associates, and espe-
cially to his patients. He was always amiable, unassuming and
conscientious ; always prompt in his attention to his patients, who
were never neglected, whatever sacrifice it cost him. He wore him-
self out in their service. Even after he was enfeebled by disease,
he continued his labors, until they induced or aggravated diseases
which prematurely terminated his life. His usefulness was not con-
fined to his professional duties, but as a citizen he was prompt by
his aid and influence in promoting every good object.

Dr. Lathrop, in the sketch to which we have referred, says, "The
crowning trait of character of Dr. Allen, and one which harmon-
ized and rendered most valuable all his other qualities, was decided
and stable Christian principle. He w^as a firm believer and sup-
porter of the Christian religion, and for many years a member of
the Congregational church. He first became connected with the
church in Brattleborough, in 1818, then under the pastoral charge
of Rev. Caleb Burge. Religion with him was not a matter of pro-
fession alone, but of principle. It exerted its benign influence on
the aSections of his heart, and exhibited itself, in its power and ex-
cellency, in the moulding of his thoughts, and generating of his
actions.

For many years previous to his death, he resided in the house next

IirSTOIlY OF MIDDLEUURi'. 357

north of the Congregational church, ou the paper mill road, now
occupied by his son, Dr. Charles L. Allen.

Dr. Oliver Barber Norton was born in Easton Washington
Countj, New York, December 19, 1709. His mother having died
when he was three months old, he was adopted as a child by Rev.
Edward Barber, of Greenwich, N. Y., father of Edward D. Barber,
with whose family he Ijyed as a son, until he left it to engage in

live

business for himseU. To those most intimate, he exhibited, from
Iiis earliest boyhood, proofs of no ordinary talents and force of
character, and manifested a great thirst for learning, and extended
his researches into many branches beyond the routine of a common
English education. At the age of twenty-three, he selected for his
profession the practice of medicine ; and continued his professional
studies for two years under Dr. Cornelius Holmes. In the fall of
1822, he attended a course of lectures at the medical inetjtution at
Castleton, Vt. The summer following he became a member of Dr.
J. A. Allen's summer school in ^liddlebury. He attended a sec-
ond course of lectures the next fall, and, during the vrinter, he at-
tended the anatomical lectures of Dr. Alden Marsh, in Albany.
The following summer he again became a member of Dr. Allen's
school, and " was chosen by the principal and students to give a
course of lectures on Botany." The fall of 1824, he attended his
third course of lectures at Castleton, and was admitted to the degree
of Doctor of Medicine, which was conferred upon him at the next
commencement of Middlebury College. He left the institution with
a high reputation as a scholar, in the various branches of his profession.
The two following years, he assisted Dr. Allen in his practice,
and in his school as a lecturer on Botany, Anatomy and Physiology ;
and the year following was a partner of Dr. Allen, and afterwards,
until his death, he continued his practice separately in Middlebury.
In the fall of 1829, he was threatened with a pulmonary consump-
tion, but by the aid of a short journey to the south, recovered his
health, so that he resumed his practice in the spring. During the
fall of 1830, he was attacked with a disease which terminated in
ulceration of the cartilage of his left knee joint, and ended his life

on the 2oth of April, 1831. at the carlv age of thirty-one.

28

353 HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURT.

Dr. Norton's death "vvas universally lamented. His talents, and
his professional learning -were of a superior order. He had -what
we mav call a tact, Avhich few possess to the same degree, in detect-
ing diseases and applying the remedy ; and he never prescribed for
a disease until, after a patient examination, he thought he fully un-
derstood it. He was fast increasing in reputation and practice in
his profession, and had already become a favorite in many families.
His disposition was amiable and kind, and^is manners unassuming
and courteous, and he had become popular as a man as Avell as a
physician.

Dr. Halph Gowdey was the son of Mrs Lucretia Gowdey, a
widow who resided in Middlebury, much respected for many years.
He graduated at Middlebury College ,in 1819. From that time to
1822, he was emploj^ed as a teacher in the State of Georgia. The
climate not proving favorable to his health, he returned to Vermont,
and entered upon the study of medicine. In the year 1825, he re-
ceived the decree of Doctor of Medicine at the Vermont Academy
of Medicine at Castleton. He immediately commenced the practice
of his profession at Rutland, and in 182S removed to Middlebury,
his native place. From this time until his death he continued the
practice with growing reputation, and with the increasing confidence
of the people. He was unassuming in his disposition and manners,
but his talents and learning were of an order to give him a high
rank in his profession, and were soon duly appreciated in the com-
munit3^

Dr. Jonathan A. Allen, who knew him well as a physician and
personal friend, published in the Boston Medical and Surgical Jour-
nal a sketch of Dr. Gowdey's life and character. We knew him
well also in both characters, and respected and loved him ; but Dr.
Allen, from his position, was a more competent judge. We therefore
make some quotations from his sketch. He says, "As a scholar
Dr. Gowdey ranked high. His mind was well cultivated and prop-
erly balanced. In his deportment he was gentlemanly, unassuming
and unofficious. He read much, reflected much, and remembered
what he read. In ordinary conversation, he Avas afiable, intelligent
and interesting, so that a person could rarely be in his society for

HISTORY OF MIDDLKBURY. 859

any considerable time without becoming interested and delighted.
For public speaking and debate, he had no relish."

" His professional opinions were based on sound pathological prin-
ciples. He was strictly a pathological, not a routine practitioner.
He was well acquainted with modern pathology, and with the gen-
eral circle of Medical sciences. And if the inscrutable hand of
Providence had not prevented, he would unquestionably have given
full assurance that his recent appointment to an important profes-
sorship in the Vermont Academy of Medicine had been judiciously
made. He possessed more than ordinary taste for the study of In-
tellectual Philosophy. To this science he devoted considerable at-
tention, and upon this subject he left several essays unpublished."

" In his intercourse with his medical brethren, he was frank and
honorable. This secured for him the universal respect of the pro-
fession. The estimation in which he was held by the public was
evinced by his being twice elected a member of the General Assem-
bly of the State," in 1838 and 1839. Many of the most inport-
ant reports of committees, especially one on the geological survey
of the State, were written by him. At this time he was laboring
under the fatal disease of the lungs, which extended also to other
organs, and had for some years rendered him incapable of perform-
ing the more laborious duties, and which finally terminated his life.

Dr. Allen further says. — "In his personal appearance, Dr. Gow-
dey was quite prepossessing, his stature being rather tall and slen-
der, his countenance remarkably pleasant, his dark eye beaming w^ith
intelligence, while his hair, neither too black nor too light, spread
agreeably over his well proportioned head. His constitution was
not robust, nor had it been inured to hardship ; yet he had, with
temporary exceptions, possessed tolerable health till about four or
five years since, when he was arrested, without any obvious cause,
with pulmonary hemorrhage." " Some years since Dr. Gowdey
became a hopeful convert of Christianity, and made a public profes-
sion of his faith by uniting with the Congregational Church. It is
said, of the great and solemn realities of religion he never doubted.
As a Christian, he was uniform and consistent. "With him the prac-
tical exhibition of the cross was an every day concern. This so-

360 nrsTORY of middllburt.

cured to him an uncommon degree of calmness and cquinimity.
His confident assurance of the goodness and mercy of God sustained
him. -when, some time since, a beloved wife and a dear child were
taken from him bv death. These influences rendered him calm and
composed through a trying, painful and protracted illness. When. .
in full view of an immediate death, he was addressed by a warm
hearted visitant, in the pure language of compassion and sympathy,
' Doctor, I am sorry to see you in such trouble,' he coolly replied.
* I am not in trouble, but happy.' These were his last words."
His death occurred on the 13th of June, 1840, at the age of thirty-
seven.

Dr. Stephen Pearl Lathrop was graduated at Middleburv
College in 1849. The year following he spent in teaching, as pre-
ceptor of Black River Academy, at Ludlow, in this State. He af-
terwards pursued the study of medicine at jNliddlebury, and in the
meantime attended the lectures at the Vermont Medical College at
Woodstock, and received his diploma, as Doctor of Medicine, at that
institution in 1843. He then established him.self in the practice in
this place, which he continued until 1846. During this short period^
his practice was not extensive, but he industriously pursued scien-
tific studies, and was regarded as a distinguished scholar, in several
departments of science, especially in Natural History. In this pe-
riod he was appointed by the late Professor Charles B. Adams, his
assistant in the department of Chemistry and Natural History, and
in the geological survey of the State. From 1846 to 1849, he of-
ficiated, under appointment, as principal of the Female Seminary
in Middlebury. In the latter year, he was elected Professor of
Chemistry and Natural History in the College at Beloit, Wisconsin,
and removed to that place, and continued a teacher in that college
until the latter part of the year 1852, when he was elected a pro-
fessor in the State University at Madison, Wisconsin. In this office
he continued until his death, which occurred on the 25th of Octo-
ber, 1854.

Dr. Chaeles C. P. Clark, from Tinmouth, was graduated at
Middlebury College in 1843, and received his medical diploma at the
College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York in 1847, and imme-

HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY. oGl

(liatcly settled in the practice in jNIiddlcbury. lie praeiiccJ a few
years ^vith increasing success and reputation, went to Paris to per-
fect himself in his profession, and on his return removed to Oswego,
Kew York.

Dr. J. Gerry Ross, who practiced on the Thompsonian sys-
tem, established himself here about the year 1840. He continued
his practice in this and the neighboring towns, much respected as a
citizen, and patronized by many until the summer of 185G, when
he removed to Shaftsbury, and has since removed to Brandon, where
he now resides. He resided, while here, in the house next south of
Moore's hotel, now owned and occupied by Mr. Valentine V. Clay,
of the firm of Davenport and Clay.

Dr. Edward Tudor was born in East Windsor, Conn., January
10, 1771. His fither was '• an eminent surgeon," who had resided
" for some time in England for the completion of his medical edu-
cation.'*' Edward, who was his eldest sou, had been fitted to enter
college, and his father gave him his choice to enter Yale College
and go through a rei^-ular classical course in that institution or
enter immediately on the study of iledicine. He chose the latter,
and immediately commenced his professional studies, under the tuition
of his father. In the course of his preparatory studies, he was sent
to Philadelphia) imder the more immediate direction of Dr. Rush,
to whom he formed and retained, through life, a strong attachment.
He there attended two courses of lectures, which was quite uncom-
mon at that day, and received his medical degree. He continued to
practice for some years, in connection with his father in East
"Windsor. He afterwards established himself in the practice in
Orford, New Hampshire, where he was married. In 1804 he re-
moved his family to Middlebury. Here he has practiced with suc-
cess and high reputation, until the infirmities of age forced him to
withdraw from active service. He was a diligent student, and
through life sustained the reputation of a learned physician, and
was an active and prominent member of Addison County Medical
Society. He was a man of quiet habits and retiring disposition,
and never intruded himself upon patients, or upon public notice.
He left his patients to find him, instead of looking up them. But

S63 HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY.

he was a favorite physician in many of the most respectable families.

At the age of 87 years, Avhile walking along the side walk, on
the 3d of March 1858, he stepped upon a piece of ice, slipped, fell
and broke his leg ; from which he never recovered, but died of the
injury on the 8th day of May following, and was 87 years of age
the preceeding January. For some years he resided in the house
on Pleasant Street, now occupied by Mr* David Piper. He after-
wards purchased the lot and built the house now occupied by Mrs.
Bell. For many of his last years, he has resided in the house
where he died, next north of the Catholic Church on the Wey-
bridG!;e Street.

The following are the present resident physicians.

Dr. Zacciieus Bass, brother of the late Dr. William Bass, pur-
sued his professional studies with his brother, and in the meantime
attended two courses of lectures at the Medical School in New
Haven, Conn., in the winters of 1813-14 and 1814-15. In 1829,
the Corporation of Middlebury College conferred upon him the de-
gree of Doctor of Medicine. lie commenced practice in Middle-
bury in 1815, and has since been in a large and successful practice
in this and the neighboring towns.

Dr. William P. Russell partly under the tuition of the late Dr.
Jonathan A. Allen, and in part at the Berkshire Medical Institu-
tion, in Pittsfield, where he attended the lectures of that institution
and received his medical diploma in 1830. lie established himself
here in practice in 1831, and has continued in the active and suc-
cessful practice in this and the adjoining towns to the present time.
He conducts also a large establishment of drugs, medicines and
groceries.

Dr. Russell was appointed postmaster on the 20th day of May
1857, and still holds that office. The office is kept in his store in
the Brewster block. His residence is in the large brick house,
built by Jabez Rogers, next north of Mr. Seymour's late residence.

Dr. William M. Bass, son of Dr. William Bass, was graduated
at Middlebury College in 1832. He pursued his professional stud-
ies under different physicians, and at the Berkshire Medical Institu-
tion, at Pittsfield, Mass. He commcuced practice at Grand Detour,

IirSTUI'.Y or Mli)bL!:cURY, 203

Illinois, from 1837 to 184G. At the latter period be returned to
Middlebury, at the earnest solicitations of his father, whose increas-
ing infirmities required his aid. Here he has continued the prac-
tice of medicine, and in addition to his professional duties, resides
at the homestead, and lias charge of an extensive farm.

Er. CiiAHLi'S L. Allen, son of the late Dr. Jonathan A. Allen,
was graduated at Middkbury College in 1842. After teaching for
a 3'ear or two in North Carolina, he pursued his prosessional studies
under the tuition ot his father, and was a part of his time at the
Vermont Academy of Medicine at Castleton, where he attended the
lectures and received his degree of Doctor of Medicine in 184G.
He has since been in active and successful practice in this and the
neighboring towns. In addition to his practice, he was appointed
and officiated as professor in the Medical Institution for a year or
two ; and has delivered lectures, on appointment for that purpose,
in Chemistry and Physiology in Middlebury College.

Dr. II[R.\M Mlekek was originaly educated for the medical pro-
fession", but relinquished it for the ministry in the Methodist Epis-
copal Church. lie was stationed here in that capacity for two
years, and at the close of this period, in the spring of 1853, he re-
turned to his profession as a physician, on account of the health of
his family, and has since continued in active practice.

Dr. Norman D- Ross, son of Reuben Ross of this village, after
completing his professional studies, commenced practice in Roy-
dlton, Vt. Here he continued two or three years, and in January
1854, removed and established himself in the practice in the village
of East Middlebury, and has continued in active practice in that
part of the town and in some neighboring towns.

Dr. Nathaniel IIabris, son of Lebbeus Harris and brother of
Lebbeus Harris Jun., mentioned elsewhere, and a native of Middle-
bury. as early as July 1838, established himself here as a surgeon
dentist, and has ever since been in the successful practice in this
place, — longer, we believe, than any other dentist in the State. He
has also occasionally extended his practice to other towns. In the
meantime he attended the lectures at the Vermont Medical College
at Woodstock, and received at that institution, in June 1842, the

864 HISTORY Of MIDDLEBURT.

degree of Doctor of Medicine. His office is at bis residence, in the
brick bouse built by Dr. Judd, on the west side of the creek.

Dr. Henry Kinsley -was graduated at Middlebury College in
1838, and studied theology at the Andover Seminary, and entered
upon the duties of that profession. But his health failing, he Avas
obliged to relinquish it and direct his attention to other pursuits.
After pursuing the study of dentristry, under Dr. Prime at Bran-
don and under several distinguished dentists in Massachusetts, he
received from Dr. Prime what was called a diploma ; and in August
1857; he established himself as a dentist in this place, and has
since been in successful practice. His office is in the Brewster
block, in the rooms formerly occupied for the postoffice.

As we have not been able, on account of the frequent changes,
to give any history, or even sketches, of the merchants, mechanics,
and those engaged in other employments, as we have of professional
men, we have intended to print a list of those who are at present
engaged in such employments, and the date of their establishment,
but neglected to procure the list until so late a period, that our list
will not be as perfect as we desire. "We are obliged for that reason,
to omit those belonging to East Middlebury ; of which we have
elsewhere given a rather general account. The dates following the
names designate the time of their establishment.

MERCHANTS.

Zecliari.ali Bcckwitli, Dry Goods, Gi'occries, Furniture &c.

S Moody, now S. & AV. S. Moody, Drugs, Medicines, Groceries &;c.

Dr. Wm P. Russel, Drugs, Medicines and Groceries,

II. A. gheldon, " «, " and Dry Goods,

James M Slade & Co., Dry Goods, Groceries, ■SiC.

Harry Langworthy, " "

Edwin Vallette. " "

Simeon Holtou, Jewelry, Clocks and Fancy Goods,

James E. Negus, Merchant Tailor, Furnishing Goods &c.

Jason Davenport, Tin, Ii'on, Hardware, and Agriculturai Tools,

A H. Copeland, Books, Stationary and Pei-iodicals,

Wm. H. Ilemscn, Groceries, Provisions &c.

Solo. Parker, successor to L. W. Clark, Cooks and Stationery,

A. Magovern, Merchant Tailor,

Chapman & Barbour, Dry Goods, Groceries &c.

May

1827

July

1839

June

1842

Aug.

1843

wc-

1843

March

184G

April

1846

July

1850

Oct.

1851

April

1852

Sept.

1853

April

I85fi

March

1857

April

1857

May

1857

niSTORT OF JIIDDLEBURT. 3G5

E. R Clay, Millinery aad Fancy Goods, Sipt. 1357

H. C. Wilcox, successor to II. Wilcox, Boots and Shoos, March 1859

Mrs. A. A. Forbes, Millinery, April 1859

GROCERIFS.

A. Dnstin, now Dustin & Kenwortliy, Sept. 1814, G. W. Dustin, 1819.

H. C. Chapman, at Rail Road Station 18-19, Lucius Shaw, April 1851.

Frank Fletcher, May lb57, George Langworthy, A. M. Williamson, Anigust 1857.

MEAT MARKET.

William T. Porter, Successor to C.Ticknor.
A. M. Williamson.

MANUFACTURERS.
H. W. Pitts, Cotton Cloth and Yarn. May 1849

Davenport &, Clay, Woolen Cloths. " 1854

Jason Davenport, Stoves, Machinery, Tin Ware &c. 1851

Amon Wilcox, Tin Ware &c.
L. W. Huntington, Spring Beds. Matresses &c.
Charles llo.^e, Pail.s &c., at J. M. Slade & Co's Factory.'
Simeon Powers, and Mr. White, Axe Helves &c.
J M. Slade & Co. Potash.
C. Wheeler, Chairs, Furniture &c. F. Fales Chaii-s.

MECHANICS.

Ira Allen, Carriage Maker, 1814.

John Jackson, Hcitter.

Qt. M. Brown, 1832, J. CaSrey, Tailors.

H. C. Wilcox, L. Harvey, Sioemakers.

Mrs. E. R. Clay, Mrs. P. Cleveland, Miss Thirza Adams, Mrs. A. A. Forbes, Mil-
liners.

Simeon Holton, H. W. Brewster, Goldsmith.

Horace Crane 1821, Ira Allen, Louis Hope, J. Donahue, Blacksmiths.

IVl. Phinney, N. Brusso, Sadlers,

L. W. Huntington, Upholsterer,

A. D Stearns, Samuel Brooks, William Kingsley, T. 0. Flanegan, C. Rose, D. M.
Ooldrich. Puinte/s.

John Sellick, Cabinet Maker and Turner.

Cyrus Morton, John H. Simmons, Caleb Moi'ton, 0. Severance E. B. Parker, David
Piper, J. F. Bolton, W. C. Langworthy, A. S. Tracy, L, Stearns, George Sawyer,
S; Pinney, H. Dean, W. Bisbee, W. Latimer, J. King ,Carpevters and Joiners.

Oliver Wellington, J. Barnaby, J. Morcomb, Orin Abby, Masons.

J. P. Huntington, Dyar.

A. Dustin, G. AV, Dustin, Barbers.

Mead & Fuller, Printers.

H. Richardson, Book Binder.

John H. Simmons, Machinery for Plaining and Joiner Work.

29

366 HISTOllY OP MIDDLEBURY,-

DanielJudd, 18 58, Mr. Eowe, Marble Cullers.
Edward McClure, June 1837, Baker.

OTHER EMPLOYMENTS.

II, L. Sheldon, Station Ageul, R. tf* B. Rail Road.

John B. Copeland, ExprSss Agent.*

A, H. Copeland, and H. W. Brewster, Telegraphists, f

0. A. Taft, Ambrotype Artist.

James Lenard, Truckman, 1819.

Ormel Comstock, Proprietor of Stage from Middlebury to Lake Champlainl

Harry Moore, - " " " Bridport.

Stage owned by Lorenzo Cutler, of Bethel, from Middlebury to Bethel.

Samuel Brooks, Sexton.

Jacob Dewey, Constable and Jailor.

L. S Orampton, Deputy Sheriff.

Calvin G. Tilden, Insurance Agent.

*Fiske & Go's. Boston Express, and PuUen, Virsil & Go's, now the National
Express Company to New York, have been established ever since the R. &. B. R.
Boad commenced running. Mr. John B. Copeland has been the agent here of both
companies since 1852. TheoiSce is in Copeland's bookstore in Brewster's block.

tThe Troy and Canada Junction Telegraph line was established in 1847. Mir.
A, H. Copeland was put in charge of the station herein 1852. In 1856, the Amer-
ican Telegraph Company, which has wires extending from New York to Nova i^co-
tia, Montreal and to all parts of New England purchased this line, and communi-
cate directly from New York to Montreal. This ofBce is also doW in Copeland's
bookstore.

EISTOIIY OF MIDDLEBURY. 367

CHAPTER XXII.

EDUCATIONAL — COMMON SCHOOLS — ADDISON COUNTY GRAMMAR
SCHOOL.

The first scliool house built and the two first schools opened in
town for children were those mentioned in the statement of Miss
Torrance, in the south part of the town, where the principal settle-
ments then were. The first school in the neighborhood of the vil-
lage was kept bj Mrs. Goodrich, wife of William Goodrich Esq.,
about the year 1791. They then resided in a house on the rising
ground east of Dr. Bass's, near Mr. Conroe's barn, and her school
was in a small school house on the opposite side of the road. We
have no knoAvledge of other schools established at an early day, ex-
cept such as are incidentally mentioned in our history. The first
official act of the town, on the subject of schools, was a vote in De-
cember 1790, to divide the town into four school districts. Votes
were afterwards passed, from time to time, increasing the number
and changing the boundaries of the districts. The present number
of districts is eleven, known by the names of the numbers attached
to them. The large districts in the village, one on each side of the
creek, constitute two of them. The changes have been, and prom-
ise to be, so frequent, that it is more than the object is worth to trace
here their boundaries.

The laws of the State require " each organized town to support
one or more schools, provided with competent teachers," and if more
than one is needed, the town is required to divide their territory
" into as many school districts as shall be judged most convenient."
These districts are constituted corporations, for the purpose of main-
taining schools, and may hold estate and assess taxes for that pur-
pose. The district clerk is required to ascertain annually the num-

oG8 HISTORY OiT MIDDLEBURY.

ber of children in his district, between the ages of four and eighteen,
and return a list of them to the town clerk, with a certificate of the
number of weeks a school has been kept the preceding year. Pre-
vious to the statute of 1850, the districts were authorized, if they
chose, to raise money for the support of the schools '• by subscrip-
tion, or by apportioning the saijie to the scholars, who shall attend
the school, or otherwise.'"' By the statute of that year it was en-
acted that •' all moneys raised by school districts, for the payment
of teachers' wages, shall be raised upon the grand list, and moneys,
raised by a tax upon the scholars, shall be appropriated only to de-
fray the expenses of fuel and teachers' board." Provision has been
made also hj the legislature, authorizing large districts to establish
also a higher or central school, or several districts to unite for a
similar purpose ; but no such provisions have been adopted in this
town.

Previous to 1836, a large amount of funds had accumulated in
the United States treasury, beyond the wants of the government,
and Congress, by an act approved June 23d of that year, ordered
that •' the money, which shall be in the treasury on the first of Jan-
uary 1837, reserving the sum of five millions of dollars, shall be
deposited with the several States, in proportion to their respective
representation, in the Senate and House of Kepresentatives, as
shall by law authorize their treasurer, or other competent authori-
ties to receive " and give the required certificate for the same. The
certificate was required to pledge the faith of the State to return
the money, when called for. The deposits were to be made in four
instalments, on the first of January, April, July and October 1837.
After having delivered three instalments, on the 2d of October,
Congress enacted that " the transfer of the fourth instalment be
postponed till the first day of January 1839," and it has never
been paid.

The legislature, by their act passed November 17th 1836, agreed
to accept their share of the deposit, according to the terms pro-
posed, and authorized the treasurer to receive it and give the re-
quired receipt. The amount they directed the treasurer to distrib-
ute among the several towns, according to their population, as as-

HISTORY OF 3IIDDLEBURT. SOU

pertained b^^ the census of 1830, and to make a new apportionment
at each succeeding census. The act required also, that the several
towns should "choose by ballot three trustees, who should receive,
take care of and manage the moneys deposited with the respective
towns." And they directed the trustees to loan the money on good
security, at six per cent, interest, " for a term not exceeding one
year at a time," and pay the income annually into the town treas-
ury to "be distributed by the selectmen to the several school dis-
tricts.^^ This town, at a meeting called for that purpose on the 26th
of December 1836, voted to receive their share of the fund depos-
ited, and elected by ballot Elisha Brewster, Paul Champlin and
Edwin Hammond trustees of the fund. The trustees, at the annual
March meeting in 1838, reported, "that they have received in
three instalments the sum of S'^,27S'89, and had loaned it, on good
security, to individuals at six per cent, in sums of $100, or less."
And the meeting by vote directed them to pay the interest into the
town treasury by the loth day of July next. And this has been
done from year to year, so long as the fund was loaned to individuals.

The amount of the above fund and the small amount ot the rents
received from school lands, in most of the towns, constitute all the
permanent funds, appropriated for the support of schools. The re-
mainder it is necessary to raise by direct taxation. It is therefore
provided by statute, that the selectmen shall annually ' • assess a tax
of nine cents on the dollar of the list of the town," for the use of
schools. In case the town has other funds, which, after deducting
one half of the United States deposit money, will amount to the
sum raised by the tax or a part of it, the tax or a proportion of it
may be omitted. The tax in this town is five per cent. If the
funds provided by law are insufficient, the deficiency is to be raised
by taxes on the district.

The selectmen by law have the charge and management of all the
real and personal estate, appropriated for the use of schools, and
they are required annually, on the first day of March, to divide the
proceeds of the tax, with the income of all the funds, appropriated
for schools, between the several districts, one fourth part equally,
for the relief of small districts, and the remainder in proportion to

C70 HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY.

the number of cliilclren between the ages of four and eighteen.

Such is substantially the system, under which the schools in this
town, have been maintained. School houses of more or less com-
fort and convenience have been built, and teachers, more or less
qualified have been employed in the several districts. In the large
districts in the village, separate rooms are provided in the same
building, with separate- teachers, and the children have been classi-
fied, somewhat according to age, sex and studies.

At an early day, the legislature directed the selectmen, in the
several towns, where there were lands, under the New Hampshire
charters, belonging to the glebe right, or rights for the Propagation
of the Gospel, to lease them, and appropriate the rents for the use
of schools. This appropriation of the glebe rights was regarded ns
valid, by the decision of the United States Courts. But the lands
belonging to the Propagation rights, were, by the same authority,
retained for their original purpose. The first and second division of
the school right, and the glebe righ t had been leased, and previous
to the decision, the first division of the Propagation ri^ht had been
leased for the use of schools, but has since been surrendered. The
first and second hundred acre divisions of the school riofht and of
the glebe right are the only lands leased for the use of schools.
No. 2 is the first hundred acre division of the school right, of which
Andrew Bain owns the lease. The second hundred acre division of
this right was surveyed by Judge Painter in 1775, lying on the
Salisbury line and east of Nathaniel Everts' lot of that division,
and the lease is owned by Capt. Joel Boardraan. The first hundred
acre division of the glebe right is No. 49, and the lease of the west
half is owned by William Carr Jr., and the east half by Abel
Abbey ; and the second hundred acre division of that right lies
within the limits of the first division between the town plot on the
"west, and the east tier on the east ; and the lease is owned by
Elijah S. Boyce. The rents of these lands, which were entirely
wild, were so small, that the town adopted the policy of loaning the
rents, to constitute an accumulating fund, to be divided, when it
would be of greater benefit. This plan was opposed by a part of
the citizens, and the question was agitated in town meetings for sev-

UrSTOllY OF MIDDLliUUKY. 871

eral years. In the meantime trustees were appointed from the sev-
eral districts, who had charge of the fund. At the annual meet-
ing in 1817, the trustees were directed " to deliver all notes and se-
curities for the school fund to the town clerk," and he was directed
to collect them. This measure was adopted to make preparation
for a distribution ; and not long after the fund was divided. The
shares, Avhicli belonged to the two districts in the village, were ap-
propriated for the erection of the brick school houses on each side
of the creek.

The amount of the United States deposit money received in
1837 was .^8,278 S'J. On the new apportionment after the census
of 1840, there was refunded to the State treasurer the sum of
$1,032 21; and after the census of 1850 the sum of $255 08
was returned, leaving now in possession of the town the sum of
^7; 501 76. The fund annually distributed in Middlebury among
the districts is as follows :

Interest on the deposit, _ _ _ ^450 10
Amount of rents, _ - _ - 119 00
Proceeds of tax in 1856, - - - 387 00

Amounting in the whole to - - $956 10

The common schools in this town are not Avhat they ought to be,
although the provisions of the law have been generally complied
with, and they have been gradually improving from the first settle-
ment. The want of funds has heretofore been an obstacle to their
improvement. At an early day the expenses of the schools were
more generally paid by taxes on the scholars, and provisions were
otherwise so inadequate for making them respectable, that, espe-
cially in the village, select schools became conmion. The doctrine
that the education of the children is a public interest, and should
be supported at the public expense, has been extending and gradu-
ally coming mto practice. When the rich are compelled to pay for
the support of the public sctooIs, in proportion to their property,
instead of the number of their children, it is an inducement to
them to improve those, instead of patronizing select schools. The
friends of education have long felt, that the schools in Vermont

372 HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY.

were altogether below the standard they ought to occupy ; and the'
tendency of the legislature has been to improve them. And there
is a sanguine expectation, that the plans recently adopted by the
legislature, for the general superintendence of the school system,
throucrh the State, will make them better.

ADDISON COUNTY GRAMMAR SCHOOL.

By an act of the legislature on the 8th of November 1797. a
Grammar School was established in Middlebury, under a corpora-
tion by the name of the " Coporation of Addison County Gram-
mar School.'' Full powers were granted to the corporation to ac-
quire and hold the necessary estate, and for other purposes necessary
for sustaining a permanent school ; and to hold and use all the lands
in the county, rcserved%nd appropriated for that use, in the char-
ters granted by this State. The trustees, appointed by the act,
were Gamaliel Painter, Seth Storrs, Samuel Miller, Daniel Chip-
man and Darius Matthews. The trustees are authorized to add to
their number ; but the whole number is not to exceed twelve. A
proviso is added to the act, '' that the inhabitants of Middlebury,
and such others as may voluntarily subscribe therefor, shall build,
and finish a good and suiScient house for said Grammar School,
of the value of one thousand dollars, by the next stated session of
the legislature, and shall forever after keep the same in good repair."
The inhabitants immediately set themselves to work to fulfil the
condition, but did not limit their expenditures to one thousand dol-
lars. The design was already formed to establish a college, and
provide a building, which would accommodate such an institution,
at least for a time. Accordingly a subscription was raised in tliis
and the neighboring towns, and the wooden building since used for
the college, eighty feet by forty, and three stories high, was com-
pleted in 1798, within the time limited by the act. It was divided
into convenient rooms for students, with a public room for a
chapel, and other uses, in the centre oPthe upper story.

The land on which the building, together with the extensive
grounds connected with it, was, in July 1800, and previous to the
charter of the college, deeded to the corporation by Seth Storrs,

HISTORY or MIDLLEBURY.

Darius Matthews, Appleton Foot, Stillnian Foot and Anthony
Rhodes. Most of the land was owned by Col. Storrs ; but the
grounds embraced small pieces belonging to the other grantors.

Rev. Jeremiah Atwater, of New Haven, Conn., was appointed
principal of the grammar school, in anticipation of his becoming
president of the college, when established. Until 1S05, both insti-
tutions were continued in the same building, and President Atwater
continued nominally principal of the academy, although the in-
struction was given by a tutor or other oIHcer of the college. At
that time the preparatory school was removed to the building erected
for the Female Seminary, that institution being vacant in conse-
quence of the death of Miss Strong.

Since the separation, the following preceptors have had charge of
the academy fur the periods designated :

AVrOINTED.

1805 Rev. Chester V; right
ISC'^ Kev. John Frost

1808 Rev. Richard Hall

1809 Rev. Benjainiu B. Stockton 1810

1810 Hon. Zimri Howe
1311 Rev. Jo.'ieph Lab.arec
1813 Rev. Otto S. Huyt
1 SU Rev. Reuben Post

1815 Rev. Daniel IIcmen-\vay

1816 Rev. Benson U. Baldwin

1817 Mile Cook, Esq.

1818 Rev. Beriah Green
1810 Rev. George C. Beckwith
1820 Rev. Ora Pierson

1820 Rev. Roswell Pettibone

1821 Rev. Uzziah C. Burnap

When more permanent teachers have not been engaged, tempora-
ry teachers have been employed to supply their place.

Rev. Joseph Steele, in th^spring of 1857, was appointed precep-
tor and principal, and it was hoped it might be sustained until it
should assume a more permanent character. But from the want of
adequate funds, he found it difficult to give it this character, and re-

30

LEiT.

APPOINTEO.

LETT-

1807

1823 Rev. Addison Parker

1824

1808

1S24 Rev. Lucivs L. Tilden

1825

1809

1825 Hon Horace Eaton

182(5

1810

lS2r3 Rov. John Wild

1827

1811

1827 Rev. John J. Owen

1828

1813

1828 Rev. Truman M. Post

1828

18U

1828 Rev. Edwin Hall

1830

1815

1800 G. T. Thompson, Esq.

1834

181G

1834 Henry W. Ellsworth, Esq

.1835

1817

1835 Rev. Merrill Richardson

1837

1818

1337 William Warner, Esq.

1838

1819

1838 Rev. John Bradshaw

1841

1820

1841 Rev. Azariah Hyde

1843

1820

184G Daniel A. Bowe

1849

1821

1849 Eleazar Sherman

1850

1823

1851 Thomas S. Pearson

1853

S74 HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY.

linquislied it. The only permanent funds are tlic rents of the Gram-
mar School lands in the county, which amount to a little over ^100
annually, — hardly sufficient to keep the building in repair. The
lands are principally in the mountain towns, -where only charters
were granted by this State. Other charters were granted by the
Governor of New Hampshire, and contained no appropriation for
tliat purpose. While similar institutions were less common, popular
teachers collected large schools, with a liberal income from tuition
alone. Some of the teachers have received from the treasury, in
addition to this income, from fifty to one hundred dollars annually.
But the income has never been sufficient, and sufficiently certain to
induce competent teachers to make it a permanent business. The
citizens of ISliddlebury and vicinity would doubtless, long since,
have adequately endowed this institution, if their liberality had not
been exhausted on the college, which they regarded as a more im-
portant object. We hope it will not be long before some efforts will
be put forth for a thorough endowment, as such an institution, of a
high order, is greatly needed in this vicinity.

After Mrs. Willard opened her school at her own residence, the
building erected for the female seminary was wholly given up to
the Grammar School. Lr 1820, the principal proprietors of that
building transferred their shares to the corporation of that institu-
tion. In 1843 that building came to be regarded as inconvenient,
on account of its location and otherwise, and some measures were
adopted to provide a different place. In 1844 a negotiation was
opened with the corporation of the college, for occupying the wooden
building, originally erected for the grammar school, or a part of it,
and arrangement was made for that purpose. Accordingly a part
of the lower story was altered and fitted up for that purpose, and
the school has since been held there. The land, on which the female
school building was erected, was deeded only for the use of such a
school by Hon. Horatio Seymour, and being deserted by both schools,
the whole was surrendered to him, on Ms making some compensa-
tion for the building,, to enable the corporation to fit up the rooms
in the college building. The corporation have also, with the aid of
contributions from the citizens, enclosed with a railinir the build in cj

I

HISTORY OF MIDDLEEURY 375

and the extensive common west of it ; and by the liberal donation
of several hundred dollars, by Charles Starr Esq., of New York,
the grounds have been prepared and planted with ornamental trees
and shrubbery.

S7G HISTORY or illDDLEBUHy.

CHAPTER. XXIII.

MDDLEBURY COLLEGE.

At an early day the leading citizens of Middlebuiy felt the im-'
portance of establishing literary institutions, not only for the advan-
tage of their own town, but because they were needed in the forma-
tion of an intelligent community in the state, then just opened for
settlement, and rapidly filling up with an enterprising population.
As an explanation of the efiorts then made, and the measures
adopted for the purpose, we commence the history of Middlebury
College with a quotation from Ilev. Timothy Dwight, D. D., then
president of Yale College. In his extensive travels in New Eng-
land and New York, he visited Middlebury three times, — in 1798,
1803 and 1810. Of his first visit, among other things, he states
as follows.

" An academy was nearly completed, which was intended to bo
the germ of a future college." "The evening of the 30th (of
[September) I spent in company with a number of gentlemen, in a
consultation concerning this projected seminary, at the house of S.
Miller Esq. They informed me that a college was already incor-
porated in the State, the intended seat of which was to be Burling-
ton ; that it had been incorporated some years and was liberally en-
dowed ; but that, for various reason, which were specified, nothing
material had been done toward carrying it into operation ; that al-
though some indecisive efiorts had been made by the trustees soon
after their appointment, all its concerns had, for a considerable time
been at a stand ; that there was now less reason to expect any effi-
cacious efiorts from those gentlemen, than there had been heretofore;
as they themselves appeared to have relinquished both exertion and
hope. The gentlemen then explained to me their own views of the

YORK

jKARY

;.KOX

2 ii;.ui-iS i'C-^Ji"* CATION

HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURT. 377

importanc3 of such an institution to their state ; the propriety of
making this to^Yn the scat of it ; their own intentions and the wishes
of many respectable people in the State, ■who coincided Avitli them
in the opinion, which they had expressed to me. ^V'hen they had
unfolded their views, I frankly communicated to them my own ; and
have since had no reason to complain, that they were disregarded.
I will only add, that the local situation of Middlebury, the sober
and religious character of the inhabitants, their manners and various
other circumstances render it a very desirable seat for such a sem-
inary." In 1811, after his visits of 1806 and 1810, he makes the
following record :

" The academy, which I have mentioned above, began to prosper
from the time when it Avas opened ; and was in the year 1800 raised
by an act of incorporation into a college. From that time to tlie
present it has continijed to prosper ; although all its funds have
been derived from private donations, and chiefly, if not wholly,
from the inhabitants of this town. The number of students is now
one hundred and ten ; probably as virtuous a collection of youths,
as can be found in any seminary in the world. The faculty consists
of a president, a professor of law, a professor of Mathematics and
Natural Philosophy, who teaches chemistry also, a professor of lan-
guages and two tutors. The inhabitants of Middlebury have lately
subscribed 8,000 dollars for the purpose of erecting another colle-
giate building. When it is remembered, that twenty-five years ago
this spot was a wilderness, it must be admitted, that these efforts
have done the authors of them the highest honor."

These extensive quotations will save the necessity of saying more
relating to the origin of the institution. On the first day of No-
vember 1800, an act was passed by the legislature, establishing a
college under a corporation by the name of the " President and
Fellows of Middlebury College." Kev. Jeremiah Atwater, who
had officiated as principal of Addison County Grammar School,
was by the act constituted the " present President," and Nathaniel
Chipman, Ilcman Ball, Elijah Paine, Gamaliel Painter, Israel
Smith. Stephen R. Bradley, Scth Storrs, Stephen Jacob, Daniel
Chipmau, Lot Hall Aaron Leeland, Gershom C. Lyman, Samuel

378 HISTORY OF mibdleeury.

Miller, JediJiah P. Buckingham and Darius Matthews, "the pres<r
ent Fellows." The act contains a proviso, that it should net be
consti'ued to give the corporation any right to the "property or
estate, which had been or should be granted for the use of a col-
lege in this State " or " granted and oppropriated by this state to
the University of Vermont." The lands reserved for that purpose,
in the charters granted by this state, had been devoted to the Uni-
versity of Vermont at Burlington, which was incorporated in 1791.

Under this charter the college went into immediate operation, and
two classes were received into the institution tlie same fall. The
Grammar School, for about five years, was continued m connection
with it, under the same superintendence, and the members were in-
structed by a tutor. The first class in college, consisting of one
member. Aaron Petty- — was graduated in 1802. The graduating
classes, from this time continued to increase, and in 1805 consisted
of sixteen, in 1808 of twenty-three, and in 1811 of nineteen,
which were the largest classes to this period. Bev. Jeremiah At-
water resigned the office ot president in 1809, and on the 26th day
of September of that year was inaugurated as president of Dickin-
son College at Carlisle, Penn. He continued in this office until
August 1815, when he resigned, and established lys residence, in
his native town, New Haven, Conn., where he has since resided.*

Bev. Henry Davis D. D., as successor of President Atwater, en-
tered upon the duties of the office in 1811, and resigned it in 1817.
The classes under his administration, for several years, had in-
creased, and in 1812, the graduating class consisted of 26, in 1813
of 29, in 1814 of 28, and in 1815 of 30. The other classes
during this period were considerably smaller. President Davis
had been a professor in Yale College and afterwards in Union
College at Schenectady. He occupied the latter office, when he
was chosen president of this institution. Besides his eminent talents,
he had a commanding person, address and eloquence, which gave him
great popularity as president. On the death of Dr. Dwight, he
was elected president of Yale College, but declined the office. Soon

♦President Atwater died at New Haven, Conn., in July 1858, aged 84 years.

HISTORY OF xMIDDLECURY. . 379

after ho was cli030u prcoident of Ilarailton College at Clinton N. Y.,
and accepted the appointment, -which was the occasion of his resign-
ing the same office here in IS 17. After a few years he also resigned
the office of president of Hamilton College ; but continued his resi-
dence at Clinton until his death, which occurred in 1852.

Dr. Davis was succeeded in the office of president, hy Rev.
Joshua Dates D. D., who entered upon the duties of that office in
1818. He was graduated, with distinguished honor, at Harvard
College in 1800, and was settled as a pastor of the first Congrega-
tional church in Dcdham Mass., in 1803. In this position he re-
mained until elected president of this institution. He brought to
his new position an established character, as a scholar and as a man.
Tlirough the influence of his talents, learning and untiring devotion
to the interests of the college, it was, during most of his adminis-
tration in great prosperity, and the average number of the classes
was larger than previously, and the graduating class in 1838 con-
sisted of forty. While he was in office the under graduates rose to
the number of IGO. It had been Dr. Bates' design to return to
the clerical profession, to which he -was greatly attached, several
years earlier than he did. "While president, it was his delight, and
he was often invited, to preach on public occasions and in destitute
places, where his ministrations were highly appreciated. He re-
signed the office of president in 1839, and in the succeeding session
of Congress, he officiated as chaplain of the House of Representa-
tives, and continued to preach in various places, and was finally
settled as a pastor in Dudley Mass., in which position he continued
until his death in 1853, at the age of seventy-seven.

Rev. Benjamin Labarec, D. D., was elected to the office of pres-
ident, and entered upon its duties in 1840. From various causes
occurring about the time, the numbers of the classes were some-
what diminished before and about the time of the close of Dr. Bates'
administration. From 1838 to 1840, through the resignations and
deaths of the officers, there Avas a total change in the faculty. At
the time of its greatest prosperity, the reputation of jMiddlebury
College drew students from nearly all the New England States
from Xcw York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and some from as

330" HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY.

far south as Georgia. At this time the Univcrsitj of Vermont was
in successful operation ; Dartmouth College on the eastern and
Williams College on the soiithern border of the state, and Union
College not far off, had risen on their endowments and standinn; be-
fore the public. In a competition with such a multitude of well en-
dowed colleges, this institution could not be expected to sustain its
reputation over so wide a field, without persevering and successful ef-
forts to enlarge also its endowments. These efforts the corporation
have been and ore makinsr. and the influence is to some extent felt in
the gradually increasing number of its students.

The college, at its commencement, was entirely destitute of funds.
Until the year 1816, the only building belonging to the institution
was the Avooden building previously erected for the Addison County
Grammar School. The tutors, for some years, were wholly sup-
ported by contributions of the citizens. Frederick Mall, in 1S06,
was appointed to the professorship of Mathematics and Natural
Philosophy, which was then established, with a very small salary. and
in part sustained by a donation from Samuel Miller, Esq. "While m
office he went to Europe to qualify himself more thoroughly for his
department, and on his return claimed a higher compensation. A
considerable part, if not the whole of the addition, was subscribed and
guaranteed by the citizens. A similar addition was afterwards made
to the salary of President Davis, and paid in the same way. The
citizens, many of whom were young men who had adopted this as
their home, were early trained to the duty ot sustaining the litera-
ry institutions ; and it is hardly necessary to say that they entered
upon their duty with zeal.

The only funds ever received from the state is about ^1400. The
University of Vermont had received a loan from the State School
fund, which had been on interest for several years, and on applica-
tion of that institution to bo released from the payment, the legisla-
ture in 1852, directed the amount to be divided between that corpo-
ration, Middlcbury College and Norwich University.

While Professor Hall was in Paris in 1807, an American gentle-
man residing there, by the name of Daniel Parker, placed at his
disposal the sum of one hundred and seventy-eight dollars. To this

HISIOiLY or MIDDLKBUllY. 381

gam, in 1820, Professor Hall added a sufficient sum to amount to
$*C00. This sum he presented to the college as a permanent fund,
known as the Parkerian fund, the income of which was to be ap-
pointed to provide premiums for the best speakers selected from the
lower classes. This exliibition has been held the evening before
commencement, and has been attended hy large audiences.

In the year 1810, not long after Dr. Davis was inaugurated as
president, the corporation began to feel the necessity of a new
building for the accommodation of the increasing number of students,
and in October of that year, voted to erect a new college building,
en the ground deeded by Col. Seth Storrs. The citizens had pre-
viously subscribed $8,000, toward that object. The sum was after-
wards increased, and soon materials were collected and preparations
■ iiade, and the stone college for students' rooms was completed in
xSlG, on its present beautiful site.

The first considerable efibrt to raise funds was undertaken by
President Davis, in the fall of 1815, to raise the sum of $50,000.
His first efibrt for this purpose evinces his great power over the
minds of others, as well the readiness of the citizens to be controlled
on such an occasion. He invited a meetins; at the hotel, and after
the citizens had assembled, he addressed them in a most eloquent
and persuasive speech. Before the meeting had dispersed, they had
subscribed S20,000 in good faith, although some of the subscribers
were scarcely worth the amount of their subscriptions. He met
with such success, in other towns, that, by the following spring, the
whole fifty thousand dollars had been subscribed, and he was en-
couraged to expect, that it would be raised to $100,000. Accor-
dingly, in April, the corporation authorized him to proceed, on the
condition that the addition should reduce the previous subscriptions
proportionally, so that all the subscribers should be held to pay
only $50,000. No great additions however were afterwards made ;
and many, wdio had subscribed begun to feel, that they had prom-
ised more than was convenient for them to pay. Dr. Davis had
such strong confidence himself and gave such strong assurances re-
specting the result, that on the prosecution of some of the subscrip-
tions, resistance was made to the collection on the ground of fraud-
31

8o2 HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY.

ulent representations. And it was afterwards decided, that tlie sub-
scriptions were invalid on that ground. This placed the corpora-
tion in an embarrassed condition. But previous to the decision
about $14,000 had been paid for principal and interest. Not long after
also the large legacy of Judge Painter, who died in 1819 and the
legacy of Joseph Burr of ]*danchester, of $12,500 came to their
relief. According to the will of Mr. Burr, the income of his
legacy was to be appropriated for the support of a professor, and by
vote of the corporation, the professorship of chemistry and natural
history was placed on that foundation and bears the name of the
donor. In the year 1818, a subscription of several thousand dol-
lars, principally in the County of Windham. Vv'as made for the ben-
efit of the chemical department, and is known as the chemical fund.

These sums were received under the administration of Dr. Bates .
Under his administration also, in 1835, Dea. Isaac Warren, of
Charleston Mass., bequeathed to the college the sum of $3,000, the
income of which was to be appropriated for the education of young
men for the ministry. But the principal subscription, under his
administration vras raised in 1833 of $30,000. Fifteen thousand
dollars of this was expended in erecting the stone building for a,
chapel and other public rooms, and about $2,000 in altering and
repairing the wooden building, and the remainder vras appropriated
to the current expenses. About the same time a small subscription
of $740 was raised, the income of which is appropriated to ^y
the tuition of distinguished and successful students in need of aid,
and is called the Literary fund. Five hundred dollars of this fund
was contributed by William Bartlett Esq., of Newburyport Mass.

Since the inauguration of Dr. Labaree, the finances have as-
sumed a more settled form. A scattering subscription from 1840
to 1848 was obtained for $9,300; in 1848 one of $25,000, and in
1852 another of 35,000. In 1853, a friend of the college offered
a donation of $10,000. on condition that a further sum of $20,000
should be raised, — the whole amount to constitute permanent and
temporary scholarships. The condition has been complied with.
To all these later subscriptions the alumni have been liberal contri-
butors. Among the recent donations, we ought not to omit the

HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY. S8

■■>

legacj of tlio late Joseph P. Fairbanks Esq., of St. Jolinsbury,
for$;10,000.

Besides the donations above mentioned, several lots of land in
different parts of the state have been deeded to the college, some of
which to the amount of $700, have been leased, A part of the
more recent subscriptions have not yet been paid, but the principal
share has been received and vested for a general fund, besides the
]jarr fund, and the several smaller specific funds. In addition to
the donations already mentioned, Gen. Arad Hunt of Ilinsdill N. H.,
in 1813, deeded to the corporation a large tract of land in Albany,
Orleans County, estimated at more than five thousand acres. A
very important portion of the income of the college is derived from
the rents of these lands.

The Associated Alumni first met at the commencement in 1824 ;
and have since held their annual meetings at commencement, and
appointed an orator and poet. Several of the addresses have been
published. They early adopted measures for the semi-centennial
celebration of the establishment of the college in 1850. On this
occasion largo numbers assembled, and among them, gentlemen of
distinction in the various professions, together with several of the
former officers of the college. Among the exercises were interest-
ing addresses by Rev. Dr. Bates, late president, and Rev. Dr.
Hough, late professor. The exercises were closed by a numerously
attended dinner, at which several addresses were made, and among
them a characteristic poem by John G. Saxe Esq. A full a,ccount of
the proceedings was published at the time, in a pamphlet of near 200
pages. At this celebration, the alumni proposed to raise a sub-
scription of ,^35,000 ; and eight subscriptions of ^500 each, with
several smaller ones were made on the spot. This subscription was
completed in 1852, as before stated.

At an early day after the establishment of the college, a literary
association was formed by the students, by the name of the Philo-
mathesian Society, and was incorporated in 1852. It has its meet-
ings weekly, for literary improvement, and an annual celebration at
commencement, at which an address is delivered by some disting-

334 HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY.

uishc:! gentleman selected for that purpose. It Las a "well selected
library of 2500 Yolumes.

In 1804 a religious association was formed, bj the name of the Phil-
adelphian Society, consisting of professors of religion, ^vhich "is de-
signed to promote among its members aknoYfledge of divine things."
It is thought to have had a happy influence, not only on the mem-
bers, but upon the college generally. Its library contains eight
hundred volumes of religious and theological books.

The " Beneficient Society" was formed in 1813 " for the purpose
of providing indigent students with text books." Professor Fowler,
in his account of the college in 1837, says, — "It furnishes three-
fourths of all the students of the college the necessary text books.
Indigent students obtain their books free of expense, and other mem-
bers obtain the same privilege by paying a small sum annually."

A few valuable books were obtained for the use of the college by
the contribution of some of its friends, at the establishment of the
college. But no serious effort was made to establish a library until
1809. At that time about one thousand dollars were raised by
subscription of the citizens, and divided into shares of twenty-five
dollars each. The owners of the shares were entitled to a limited
privelege of using the books, but they have since generally said or
surrendered their shares to the college. The library from that time
has been increased by appropriations from the treasury. The pres-
ent number of volumes is 5600.

The principal part of the philosophical apparatus was imported
from London in 1817, although a few articles had been obtained
previously, and some additions have been occasionally made since.
It is still deficient in amount, but is sufficient for the ordinary in-
struction in that department.

Of the department of chemistry and natural history, Professor
Isaac F. Holton says, — " The labaratory was originally small and
ill arranged, but the space given to chemistry has just been enlarged,
and a series of improvements commenced, which, when completed,
will add many fold to the facilities for teaching this branch. It is
supplied with apparatus and chemicals on a very liberal scale indeed,
and the design is to enlarge and improve this provision. The cabi-

FKOM

TO

PTED

1800 Setli Storrs, Esq.

1807

1837

1803 lion. Peter Starr

1815

1815 Hon. Samuel Swift

18-26

HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY. 385

not is as large as anj mere literary college ouglit to desire. A
process of judicious exchanges, and moderate collections is necessary
to adapt it to the best possible illustration of a full course of nat-
ural histor J. The dej)artment occupies the entire Imver floor of the
chapel building."

The following is a list of those, "who have occupied the offices
designated. Our limits do not authorize us to copy the long lists
of the members of the corporation or of the tutors.

SECRETARIES.

FBOM To DIED

18-20 Hon. Harvej Cell 1843 1848

1843 Rev. Lucius L. Tilden 1851
1851 John W. t:tewart, Esq.
TREASURERS.
1300 Hon. Darius Matthews 1803 1819 1837 Hon. Samuel Swift 1830
1803 Samuel Miller, Esq. 1806 1810 1839 lion. Peter Starr 1842

1806 Hon. ganiuel Swift 1810 1842 Rev Thomas A. Merrill 1852 1855

1310 John Simmons, Esq. 1829 1829 1852 Julius A. Beckwith Esq 1854 1857

1829 William G. Hooker 1830 1850 1854 Rev. Jos D. Wickham 1855

1830 PiCv. Wm. C. Fowler 1837 1855 Prof. W. H. Parker.

PROFESSORS OF LAAV.
180G Hon. D. ChipmanLL.D.lSlG 1810 Hon. N'l ChipmanLL.D. 1843

OF J.rATIIEMATICS AND NATURAL HISTOKY.
1806 Frederic Hall, LL. D. 1824 1843 1838 Ales. C Twining, A. M. 1847
1825 Edward Turner, A. M. 1S38 1848 William H. Parker, A M.

1838 Solo. Stoddard, A. M. 1838

OF LATIX AND GREEK LANGUAGES.

1811 Rev. Oliver Hulburd 1SI2 1814 1825 Rev. John Hough, D.D. 1838

1812 Rev..Jo.innough,D.D 1817 183S Solomon Stoddard, A M. 1S47

1817 Solomon .M. Allen 1817 1848 R. D. C. Robbins, A.M.

1818 Robert B.Patton,P.D.1825 1839

OF THEOLOGY.
1817 Rev. John Hough.D.D. 1825

OF CHEMISTRY AND NATURAL HISTORY.
1828 Rev W.C. Fowlcr,A.M. 1838 1848 Hon. Horace Eaton 1854 1855

1838 Chas. B. Adams, A.M. 1847 1853 1850 Isaac F. Holton, A. M. 1857

OF RHETORIC AND ENGLISH LITERATURE.
1838 Rev. John H,^ush,D.D. 1839 1851 Rev. Jos. B. Bittenger 1853

1840 Rev. Albert Smith, A.M. 1844 1858 R^r. George N. Boardman.

1846 Hon. James Mcxcham 1850 1856

380 HISTORY OF MIDDLE BURY.

The following constitute the present faculty :
Kev. Benjamin Labakee, D. I)., President, and Proicssor of

Moral Philosophy.
William H. Parker, A. JM., Professor of Matliejnatics and

Natural Philosophy.
Renselaer D. C. Robbins, A. M., Professor of Languages.
GEORGr: Hadley, A. M , M. D., Professor of Chemistry and Nat-
ural History.
Rev. George N. Boardman. A. M., Professor of Rhetoric and
English Literature, and Pro-tempore Professor of Litellectual
Philosophy.
Charles M. Mead., A. B., Tutor in Latin and Greek.
Lewis A. Austin, A. B,, Tutor and Librarian.

In the preceding list of professors are tl:e names of several dis-
tinguished scholars ^vho have passed away, and who, in other rela-
tions, would deserve a distinct biographical notice. But here our
limits allow only the following short notices :

Fri:derig Hall, LL. D., was graduated at Dartmouth College
in 1803. Li 1S05 he was appointed a tutor in this college: and, in
180G, professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy, and the
first professor in any department in the college. Soon after this
appointment, in order to qualify himself the better for his profes-
sorship, he Avent to Europe, and spent some time in London and
Paris. Alter his return, he continued to discharge the duties of his
professorship until 1824, when he resigned, lie Avas afterwards
employed in various enterprizcs, and was for a time a professor in
the Episcopal College at Hartford, also president of Mount Hope
College in Maryland, and died in 1843.

Rev. Oliver Hulburd, from Orwell, was graduated at this col-
lege in 1806, was tutor from 1808 to 1811, and in the latter year
was appointed the first professor of Latin and Greek languages.
His health soon declined, so that the same fall he took a journey to
Georgia, with the hope that the climate of that state might check
an apparent tendency to a pulmonary disease. In the following
summer he returned to Middlebury and resumed his duties as pro-
fessor. But as the succeeding cold season approached, he found

IirSTOllY OF MlDDLr.EURY. 3S7

himself imable to endure the severity of this climate, and returned
to Georgia. AVliilo in that state, he labored in the ministry in
AVaynesborough until his death in 1814. The estimation in Avhicli
his talents, scholarship and cluiracter were held by those who best
knew him, is evinced by liis receiving the first appointment at the
time of his graduation, and by his successive appointments as tutor

and professor.

S'lLOMux M. Allen has similar testimony in favor of his char-
acter, lie was the son of Rev. jNIr. Allen, for many years a dis-
tinguished clergyman of Pittsfield, Mass. He vras graduated at
this college in l5l3. Sylvester Larned, who was afterwards so much
distinguished as a pulpit orator, was from the same town, and was
graduated in the same class. After he was withdrawn from "Wil-
liam's College, as stated, on account of his "youthful indiscretions
and irregularities/' he came to Middlebury in company with, and
under the qualified guardianship of Allen, who was then a member
of this college, and v.'as a judicious, safe and kindly adviser, and
who, it was thought, exerted a salutary influence over him. J\Ir.
Allen pursued the study of theology one year at Andover, and offi-
ciated as tutor the two following years. In 1816 he was appointed
professor of languages, but for one year continued to discharge the
duties of tutor. At the coramcnccmerit in 1817, he entered upon
the duties of professor, as successor to Dr. liough, who was trans-
ferred to the professorship of theology. On the 23d of the follow-
ing September, Professor Allen went upon the roof of the then
new college building to remedy a defect in a chimney, and while at
work there, the scaffolding gave way, and he fell about ten feet to
the roof, and was thence precipitated to the ground. The injury
was fatal, and he died at 10 o'clock the same evening, at the age of
28 years. We think no event ever spread such sadness over this
whole community. He was known and loved by all.

Robert B. Pattox, from Philadelphia, was two or three years
a member of this college, but removed his relation to Yale College,
and was graduated in 1817. In 1818 he was appointed professor
of languages in this college, as successor to professor Allen. In
1825 he resigned, and received the appointment of professor in the
New York University. He died in 1839.

338 HISTORY OF MIDDLEBUPvY.

Edward Turner -^vas educated at Yale College, and afterwards
pursued theological studies at Andover. While a member of tJiat
institution, in 1823, he was appointed a tutor in this college, and
continued in that office two years. At the end of that period he
was appointed professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy.
While in that office he was married to Sophronia Storrs^ a daughter
of Col. Seth Storrs, and died in January. 1838, at the age of 41
years. Professor Turner was reserved in his manners and conver-
sation ; but was distinguished as a very accurate mathematical and
classical scholar.

Solomon Stoddard, from Northampton Mass., was elected pro-
fessor of IMathematics and Natural Philosophy, as successor to
Professor Turner in 1838, and the same year was transferred to the
Professorship of Latin and Greek Languages, as successor to Pro-
fessor Hough, who was appointed the first professor of Rhetoric and
English Literature. From the resignation of Dr. Bates to the ap-
pointment of Dr. Labaree, as president, Professor Stoddard dis-
charged the duties of that office. He was educated at Yale College,
and previous to his appointment as professor, he had established a.
high reputation as a classical scholar. Li connection with Mr.
Andrews he had published a Latin Grammar, which has been
known as "Andi'cws and Stoddard's Grammar," and has been intro-
duced and used in nearly all the colleges and seminaries in the
country. He continued to discharge the duties of his professorship
with distinguished ability and reputation until 1847. Li that year
he showed increasing symptoms of pulmonary disease ; and when so
much reduced as to b^ unable to discharge his official duties, he
went to Northampton, his native place, where he soon after died.

Charles B. Adams was a graduate of Amherst College, and
was an enthusiastic student of natural history. On the recommen-
dation of Professor Hitchcock, in 1838, he was appointed professor
of chemistry and natural history in this college. "While occupy-
ing that office, Mr. Adams made explorations and collections in dif-
ferent branches of natural history in this county, and spent one
winter in the same pursuit in the West Lidias. He was also
appointed by Gov. Slade, and for two years officiated as state geol-

i

f ^x<»-»

r

tt^ fi lie

jL

iX-^ C-i4-^C€^t.^K^

IIISTOIIY OF .MIDDLE13URY SS9

dgist. In 1847 he resigned his professorship to accept a similar
appointment in Amherst College. AVhilc connected with that in-
stitution he died in 1853.

Hon. Horace Eatox, in 184:8, was elected professor of Chemistry
and Natural History, as successor to Mr. Adams. Professor Eaton
was graduated at this college in 1825, and during the following
year ojfficiated as principal of Addison County Grammar School.
In the meantime, he pursued the study of medicine with Dr. J. A.
Allen, of this town, and afterwards with Dr. Eaton, of Enosburgh.
He also attended the medical lectures at Castleton, and settled in
the practice of medicine in Enosburgh in 1828. He continued his
practice in that place, except as interrupted by his official duties,
until his appointment in this college. In the meantime he filled
various important civil offices in the State. He represented the
town of Enosburgh in the legislature in 1829, the second year after
he commenced practice, and three years afterwards, previous to and
including; the vear 1836. In 1837 he was elected a senator for the
county, and again in 1839, and the two following years. He was
elected Lieut. GoTcrnor of the State in 1843, and the two years
succeeding ; and in 1846 chief magistrate of the State, and con-
tinued in that office two years. In the meantime he was annually
chosen, and for four years officiated, as State Superintendent of
Common Schools. In 1854 he relinquished his connection with the
college, and, so far as his health permitted, continued the practice
of medicine, in which he had, previously, among his friends been
employed. He died on the 4th of July 1855, at the age of fifty-
one years. His remains were taken for interment to Enosburgh,
his former residence.

Hon. James Meacham was elected in 1846 professor of Rhetoric
and English Literature as successor of Rev- Albert Smith, who
had resigned that office in 1844. He was born at Rutland, August
10, 1810, and was in early childhood left an orphan, and com-
menced life as an apprentice in a cabinet maker's shop. By liis
native talents and energy, with some aid from a discerning and be-
nevolent neighbor, he raised himself to distinction. He was grad-
uated at this college in 1832, and was afterwards successively em-

32

390 HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURT.

ployed as teacher in an academy at Castleton and St. Albans. In;
1836, be was appointed a tutor, in wbicb office be continued two
years. Having previously pursued the study of tbeology at the
seminary at Andover, be Avas settled as pastor of the Congrega-
tional, church in New Haven in 1838. In this position he remained
until his appointment as professor. While discharging the duties
of the latter office, with reputation and success, he was elected, n\
1849, a representative in Congress, and the year following resigned
his professorship. He continued to represent the state, by subse-
quent elections, until the time of his death ; and just before his
death bad been unanimously nominated by his party for a new
election. In the several stations which he had occupied, he did
not confine his researches to the sulyjects more immediately con-
nected with his position, but made himself familiar with general liter-
ature and politics. Before his election to Congress he had estab-
lished a high reputation as a writer and extempore speaker. As
a member of Congress he was universally respected. Several of
his speeches, which have been published, have secured him an envi-
able reputation as an orator. His position, as .chairman of the
committee on the District of Columbia, brought upon him severe
and exhausting labor, which, with other duties, made serious in-
roads on his health, which had before been much impaired. A few
days before the close of his last session, finding himself too much
enfeebled to discharge his duties there, he left "Washington for his
home, and on his arrival, said he had come home to die. His pre-
diction, a few days after, was verified. He died on the 23d of Au-
gust 1856, at the age of forty-six.

This account of IMiddlebury College, was written two years ago ;
and the printers had put most of the manuscript beyond our control
before it occui-red to us that there might have been changes which
ought to be noticed. But we find the changes to be not of sufficient
importance to be mentioned in this place, except in the college library.
I^resident Labarec, while on his recent visit to Europe, purchased in
London and Paris, a large number of volumes, — of which 650 are
in French. These, with other additions, have increased the library
from 5.600, as mentioned above, to about 10,000 volumes.

^...M>ci9

KISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY. 31)1

CHAPTER XXIV.

FEMALE SEMINARY — MISS STRONG — MRS. AVILLARD — INCORPORATED
— MISSES MAHEW — MRS. COOK — MISS SWIFT — MR. TILDEX —
DR. LATUROP — $. HITCHCOCK — W. F. BASCOM — MISS GORDON.

About tlie time the Grammar School and College -were estab-
lished, aud before the incorporation of the latter, the citizens, in
order to complete their plans of providing institutions of a higher
order for all classes, adopted ineasures to establish a Female Semi-
iVAYj. Xo legal corporation was formed to sustain it, but in the
spring of 1800, through the agency of Hon. Horatio Seymour,
from the same place, and previously acquainted with her, they in-
vited Miss Ida Strong, of Litchfield Conn., who had been educated
at the celebrated school of Miss Pierce, in that place, to establish a
similar school here. Xo building or other conveniences had been
provided, and she opened her school in the court house. It soon
rose to such reputation as to attract pupils from nearly all parts of
the state. After a year or two, the school was removed to the north
room of Dr. Campbell's house, which had been used for a store.
The school had so rapidly increased, that the citizens felt the im-
portance of providing better accommodations for it. In the winter
of 1802-3, they formed a voluntary association and made prepa-
ration for the erection of a suitable building. ]\Ir. Seymour had
appropriated land, as before stated. The stock was divided into
shares, a subscription was circulated and the requisite funds raised,
and early in the season following the two story Iniilding, now occu-
pied by 0. Seymour, Esq., for his residence, was completed. The
young men from the lawyers' offices, stores and mechanics' shops,
were not behind others in their enthusiasm. They were without
funds to take stock, but volunteered to build a plank walk across
the flat ground in front of the building, where the deep mud ren-

392 niSTORT OF middlebury.

dered it otherwise inaccessible to female or male ti'avellers ; and ii^
other ways contributed their labor to promote the enterprise. Mrs.
Willard, in a communication, to which we shall again refer, says, —
" In the records of f3malo education, it is worthy of notice, that this
academy was one of the very first in the country which was built
for that special object."

In this building Miss Strong kept her school in successful opera-
tion until her health failed. Pupils were gathered from all parts
of the state, and many from the state of New York. When her
health was too much impaired to continue her labors, with the hope
of improving it, she took a journey to Bennington County to spend
a season with some of her former pupils, and other friends. But
she continued to decline, and soon after, in October, 1804, at the
age of 29 years, she died in the family of one of her pupils in Ru-
pert. Miss Strong was the pioneer of female education in this state ;
and that she was a Avoman of no common talents, education and
energy, is evinced by her success in establishing a school of so much
reputation at so early a period in the settlement of the country. No
distinct school for the education of females in the higher branches
had been established in this state and very few in the country. The
nearest, if not the only, school of that character, to which Vermont
females could resort, was Miss Pierce's school at Litchfield, Conn.

There remained a vacancy in the school from the death of Miss
Strong, until the summer of 1807. At this time Miss Emma Hart,
from Berlin, Conn., was invited by the proprietors to take charge of
the school. Although but twenty years of age, she had an estab-
lished reputation, and had been invited to several other places, but
chose to accept the invitation to come here. She continued in charge
of the school, with high and increasing reputation, about two years,
and on the 10th of August 1809, she was married to Dr. John
Willard, then marshall of the District of Vermont^ of whom we
have before spoken. During the vacancy in the school above men-
tioned, the Addison County Grammar School was removed to the
building belonging to this seminary. Tlie lower story had been
divided into rooms and furnished for the accommodation of the ordi-
nary exercises ; but the upper story was finished in one room for the

HISTORY OF MIDDLEBL'Ry. 80-3

more public exercissg. The aeatlemy occupied the lower story,
and Miss Hart's school was commenced, with thirty -seven pupih, in
the upper room. But the male school was removed before the sec-
ond winter. In the spring of 1814, Mrs. Willard opened a female
school at her own residence. At our request, she has furnished us
with an interesting communication, from which we quote so far as
our limits and the object of this work will allow. Her experience
in her schools, her plans and their results, will be best explaind
in her own words,

" The winter of 1807-8 was one of exceeding hardship for me.
Tho' very cold, with frequent storms and much snow, I had to walk
from Dr. Tudor's, where I boarded, to the acac'emy.and when there
to keep my school in a large long room, formed like an ordinary
ball room, occupying the whole upper story, while the only means
of gaining warmth was from an open fire, in a small fire place on
the north end. Yet that winter I had an increased and very pleas-
ant school. When it was so cold, that we could live no loncrcr. I
called all my girls on to the floor, and arranged them t^'o and two,
in a Ion*}- row for a contra dance ; and while those who could sins;
would strike up some stirring tune, I, with one of the girls for a
partner, would lead down the dance, and soon have them all in rapid
motion. After which we went to our school exercises agaia. The
school had quite an increase in the spring from different parts of the
state, and amounted to sixty. Among them, and from the village,
was a remarkable band of young maidens, ranging from about twelve
to fifteen. I remained in this school two years from the time I
commenced."

After the dissolution of Mrs. Willard's connection with the school
by her marriage, Miss Esther North, from Goshen, Conn., was invi-
ted, and in October following became the principal. She continued
the school for several years, a part of which time she was assisted
by Miss Mary North, her sister. Mrs. Phebe Smith, before her
marriage Phebe Henderson, of Bennington, and since the wife of
Rev. Joel H. Linsley, D. D., of Greenwich, Conn., succeeded IMiss
North in January 1812. We have not the exact date of the
close of Miss North's school, or of Mrs. Smith's. The latter had

394 HISTORY OF MIDDLESLTa*".

charge of the school in the spring of. 1814, and probably closed it
soon after, as Mrs. Willard commenced her scliool at her own resi-r
dence the same season. We quote again from Mrs. Willard.

" It was in the spring of 1814 that I began, at my own resi^
dence, the school which I regard as the germ of the Troy Female
Seminary. It was there that I devised and wrote that ' Plan of
Female Education,' which was first printed in the winter of 1818-19,
and addressed as a petition to the legislature of New York, and be-
came the basis of an extensive reform in female education. While
I was in secrecy describing the institution, which was my beau ideal
for it, and was diligently considering what name I should give it,
I heard Mr. Merrill pray for our "seminaries of learning.'' I
said, '• I have it, — I will call it a female seminary.' Thot word,
while it is high as the highest, is also low as the lowest, and will
not create a jealousy, that we mean to intrude upon the province of
the men. There are now female seminaries, not only throughout
the American Union, but in the islands of the Pacific and in Asia.
Many of these have been either directly taught by my pupils, or
indirectly by their scholars. As nearly as I can estimate, I have
sent out about five hundred teachers."

'' My boarding school at Middlebury attained to so considerable a
reputation abroad, that not only did I receive pupils from the first
families throughout Vermont, but also a number from New England
and New York. In 1816 and 1817, I had five from Vfaterford,
N. Y., among whom was the adopted daughter of Gen. Van Schoon-
hoven. In 1818, this gentleman being in Middlebury, invited Dr.
Willard and myself to remove our establishment to Waterford.
Having then my plan of education fully digested and written out,
though known only to a few confidential friends, I gave the manu-
script into the hands of the General, and with Dr. Willard's con-
sent, the assurance, that if DeWitt Clinton, then Governor of New
York, approved it, and the Waterford gentlemen would bring it be-
fore the legislature, we would, on condition we were patronized by
that body, remove and commence in W^aterford on the plan pro-
posed. Dr. Willard and myself, encouraged by Governor Clinton's
warm approbation and efforts, which, with those of the gentlemen

PAJNTEn SYJiLEXJlNIlER.

iLVG" syjoHfi sAHTAm.-ma, '

A wo ^LhW 0 .

^-;^^-^?>^^^^J^

y

HISTORY OF MIDDLE15URY. 395

of Watcrford, were in a measure succcssrul, did remove in 1810 to
Waterford with our teachers and most of our boarding pupils ; thus
preserving the identity of tlie school, which had only an ordinary
vacation between its close at i\Jiddlebury and its rc-opcning at Wat-
crford. Two years afterwards it was removed to Troy. Kow in
1857 it numbers about ooO pupils, and among those may probably
be found representatives from every State in the Union, besides
some from Canada."

"In a late account|(|Pnormal schools, made by Mr. Ormiston of
Upper Canada, he says the first in the United States was founded
in 1S3S, in Massachusetts. This Avas more than twenty years later
than the time Avhen I began specially to prepare pupils for teachers,
in Middlubury, Elizabeth iSherrill and Katharine Batty were trained
to become teachers in the institution which I was proposing to found,
and they were among my first teachers in this state."

After the school was established in Troy, encouraged by a very
liberal and unexpected private patronage.but disappointed in the en-
dowment expected from the State, Mrs. Willard says, — " I ceased
applying to the legislature, and determined to spread in another
manner, what I believed an improved system. I then betook my-
self to the trainino; of teachers. Youn^; women of character and
talents I received to board and educate, some of them to clothe an.l
some to pxy travelling expenses ; when afterwards they went forth,
as recommended by me, on application for teachers, to our dififercnt
states. They went pledged to pay me, when they earned sufficient
money by teaching ; being however allowed to retain of their earn-
ings sufficient to clothe themselves. In this way I continued to
educate and send forth teachers, until 200 had gone from the Troy
Seminary before one Avas educated in any public normal school in
the United States. Thus early was my system of female education
carried to every part of the country, and the school, which in 181-i
w^as begun in Middlebury, is fairly entitled to the l#nor of being
the first normal school in the United States."

While her school was continued in jMiddlebury, INIrs. Willard in-
troduced a new system of instruction in geography, which she had
partly written out and prepared for publication, and which was af-

390 iri9T0RT OF MIDBLEBURY.

terwanls published in connection Trith William C. Goodrich. She
says also, " In the school at Middlcburj, I commenced teaching
jNloral Philosophy from Paleys Avork, INliss Hemenway being my
first scholar. There also was taught my first class in Intellectual
Philosophy. My text book was the entire work of Locke, and my
first pupil was Eliza Henshaw, now Mrs. Bushnell." While in
Middlcbury, she had not introduced the study of Mathematics,
'- although, " she says, " it was in Middlcbury, that the stream of
lady-mathematics took its rise, which aftw^ards went out from
the Troy Seminary to every part of the Union. I taught drawing
myself in both my jNIiddlebury schools. I had a passion for it."
'•But I felt my deficiency, in not being acquainted with perspective,
which I knew was the grammar of drawing. I purchased books of
perspective, from which I perceived, that without geometry, per-
spective must remain to me a dead letter. John V> illard, since a
judge, for many years, of the Supreme Court in this state, is a
nephew of Dr. Willard, and was sent by him to JMiddlebury Col-
lege, and boarded with us, I took up his Euclid, when he was from
home and was fascinated with the study. Once after he returned,
I said to him I was studying it; I had found no difficulty, but would
like to see a little whether I understood it as he did. He sat down
for about half an hour, and pronounced my learning correct. That
was the sole teaching I ever had in geometry, a science which I re-
gard as more than any other the plough share of the mind. I af-
terwards for years taught the whole of Euclid and trigonometry,
Avith Enfield's Institutes ot Natural Philosophy." " If otherwise
than as a teacher I have done any good to posterity, for which they
will remember me after my decease, Middlcbury will be associated
with it. My theory of the circulation of the Blood, by means of
respiration, now so extensively acknowledged, would never have
been formed but for events occurring in Middlcbury. After my
marriage, Dr. Willard' s office of j\Iarshall called him to make long
journeys from home. But his old medical library, with Cheselden's
Anatomy to begin with, remained at home. He had a passionate
attachment for these old authors, and talked to me in their language,
and I kindled into his enthusiasm, and prepared myself much to his

HISTORY OF JIIDDLEBURY. 397

delight, to respond, and to understand what he taught me, and thus
I obtained some knowledge of scientific physiology and medical
practice as it then stood."

We have indulged our inclination in quoting from the communi-
eation of Mrs. Willard farther perhaps than some would justify as
a part of the history of Middlebury. But we may be allowed to
add, what will be obvious to the reader, that she has been a pioneer
in female education in this countr}'-, and her incipient plans and ef-
forts were adopted whilfe she Avas a teacher here. Her influence has
not been confined to her own personal instructions or those of the
teachers whom she has raised up ; but the numerous and popular
books, which she has published have tended to the same object.*

After the removal of Mrs. Willard to the State of Kew York in
1819, no general measures were adopted for the revival of a female
seminary until the spring of 1827. In the meantime independent
schools for the higher branches were occasionally kept by different
females. At the period above mentioned, a new eflort was made to
revive the school and place it on a more permanent footing. The
building, which had been erected, as well as its location, was not
satisfactory, and had been given up to the Addison County Gram-
mar School. Besides, it was thought desirable to make it a board-
ing school. The citizens came together and formed a new associa-
tion and adopted a constitution and by-laws. The stock was di-

*Ia Barnard's American Journal of Education for Miircb 1859, is published an
article on the " Educational Services of Mrs. Emma 'Willard," by Prof. Henry
Fowler, Rochester University N. Y., extending to more than forty pages. It con-
tains a detail of her labors and success in enlarging the field and improving the
system of Female Education. She has, at diiferent times, in various addresses to
the public, explained her views of the system she proposed; published very nu-
merous educational books, formed on her new plans of instruction, which have
been introduced into the seminaries through the country; educated a multitude of
of teachers, who, having become familiar with her system, have gone forth every
where to introduce it; and finally has establishod a model school? into whose exist-
ence her principles are incorporated ; and has by her various labors, established a
chai-acter, — to use Prof. Foster's language — as a " Repkesentative AVoiLVX, who
suitably typifies the great movement of the ninoteentu century, for the elevation of
woman." We cannot do justice to this article without copying the whole, which our
limits will not allow.

33

398 HISTORY OF MIDBLEBmY.

vided into shares and a new subscription was raised. The associa-
tion was incorporated by the legislature in October 1827, by the
name of the Female School Association. The constitution had pro-
vided for "a board of trustees consisting of nine members, elected
at the annual meeting, one third of whom shall go out of office at
the end of each year." To this board was committed the general
superintendence of the school. This and other provisions were sanc-
tioned and legalized by the act of incorporation. In the course of
that year the association had purchased thft three story building
erected by Hon. Daniel Chipman for a law school, and repaired and
fitted it for the school boarding house. Misses Ann F. and II. B.
Mahew, from Woodstock, were in 1828 employed to take charge of
the school. They continued in it about a year. They were suc-
ceeded by Mrs. Harriet B. Cook, widow of i\Iilo Cook, Esq. Be-
fore her marriage, as early as 1801, jNIiss Harriet B. Latimer had
been invited to come from Middletown, Conn., and open a school at
Vcrgennes. After her marriage, Mr. Cook removed to the State of
Georgia, where Mrs. Cook was employed with her husband in teach-
ing. After his death she returned to Vermont, and again opened
a school at Yergennes, until she was invited to take charge of the
seminary here. Under her administration, the school was in great
reputation, and increased to such extent that the room which she oc-
cupied in the boai-ding house was wholly insufficient to accommo-
date it. The stockholders and others, who took additional stock,
early in the year 1830, adopted measures to erect a separate build-
ing for the school. The lot then owned by the association did not
afford sufficient room to admit the building on the street, and it was
erected in the rear of the boardino; house. Durincr the administra-
tion of iMrs. Cook, Walter R. Gilkey, Esq., then carrying on the
business of a saddler and harness maker, as successor of Capt. Jus-
tus Foot, had charge of the boarding house. The boarders, as well
as the scholars, had so greatly increased that further accommodations
were required for them. On a pledge of the future income of the
establishment, a few individuals undertook to erect an addition to
the boarding house. Toward that object, Dr. William Bass con-
tributed the lot next cast of the seminary, on which stood a two

HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY. 399

Story dwelling house, estimated st $500 ; Rufus Wainwright con-
tributed nearly the same amount, and three others from one to three
hundred dollars each. The dwelling house on the lot received from
Dr. Bass was sold and removed to a lot on the same street, and is
now owned by Mr. Powers. The addition at the east end of the
boarding house was erected in 1831.

In August, 183-1, Mrs. Cook resigned her charge of the school,
and afterwards opened a school in Bloomfield, New Jersey. She
was succeeded the following year by Miss Nancy Swift, who had
been engaged in a school in St. Albans. The school under her ad-
ministration was continued four years, with similar high repu-
tation and success. Bliss Swift resigned, and for several years had
charge of a female school in Huntsvile, Alabama. A temporary
teacher was employed during the winter, and in the spring of 1840
Rev. Lucius L. Tilden, having been dismissed as pastor of the Con-
gregational church in West Rutland^ on account of the failure of
his health, was appointed and took charge of the seminary as prin-
cipal, and was assisted by Mrs. Tilden, who had been a teacher in
the school before their marriage. They had charge also of the
boarding house. In the sprmg of 1 845 Mr. Tilden resigned the
charge of the school, and was succeeded in the spring of 1846 by
Dr. S. P. Lathrop, who continued in charge of it until the spring
of 1849. Dr. Lathrop then resigned to accept the appointment of
professor in the new college at Beloit, Wisconsin, and has since died.
Under the last two administrations the school sustained its high
reputation, but felt the influence of the frequent changes and unset-
tled state of the institution, and the increasing reputation of neigh-
boring schools.

For the next two years the school was kept in operation with only
temporary teachers. In 1851 Mr. S. W. Hitchcock, from Burling-
ton, was employed, and designed to make it his permanent business.
In the meantime new measures were adopted to make extensive al-
terations and repairs of the establishment, which resulted finally in
the expenditure of a large sum. At this time the school house was
removed to its present position on the street, and fitted up anew.
But Mr. Hitchcock was able to continue the school for only about

400 HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURT.

one year, when liis liealtli failed, and lie died in the summer of 1852.

Soon after Mr. Hitchcock's deatli, William F. Bascom, Esq.,
who had then been engaged for several years as principal of a pub-
lic seminary at Potsdam, N. Y., was appointed and entered upon
the duties as principal. He was assisted by Mrs. Bascom, who had
been a teacher in the school previous to their marriage, and by other
competent teachers. Under his administration, the number of pu-
pils was large, and the reputation of the school was high. But Mr.
Bascom, having in the meantime been admitted to the practice of
law, in the fall of 1856, relinquished the school, and the business of
mstructiou, for his new profession. The school was continued through
the winter by Miss Eliza Merrill, daughter of the late Rev. Dr.
Merrill, an experienced teacher.

In the meantime, the board made an arrangement with Miss
Agnes Gordon, who was formerly a resident here in the family of
her father, Mr. Joseph Gordon, and is well known as a popular
teacher in several states, south as well as north, and appointed her
as principal. She assumed the charge both of the school and board-
ing house, and with other distinguished and competent teachers,
opened the school on the 9th of March 1857. From the success,
which has so far attended the school under her administration, it is
anticipated that she will make it a permanent school of high re-
spectability and usefulness.

The following are the present teachers, and the number will be
increased as the necessities of the school shall require.
]Mis3 Agnes Gordon, Principal and Preceptress.
Miss M. J. Knowles, Assistant Preceptress.
Miss E. 0. Lawrence, Teacher of Drawing and Painting.
Prof. A. BoTT, (a distinguished musican and scholar from Germany)

Teacher of Music and German.

For the sake of making the faculties for acquiring an education as
accessible as possible to all classes of females, it has been thought nec-
essary to keep the price of tuition and board low. For this purpose
the seminary needs a permanent fund of fifteen or twenty thousand
dollars, in addition to the present establishment ; which, we think,
would keep the buildings and furniture in repair, gradually increase

HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY 401

the library and apparatus, and secure a permanent school of a high
order. And thia sum, or more, we hope some liberal and -wealthy in-
dividual will soon be induced to contribute to so important an object.
Since the above was written, we learn that the late David Nich-
ols of New York, son of the late David Nichols of Middlebury,
has made provision by his will for the education of females in his
naiive town, to nearly the amount suggested above. Mr. Nichols
was a young gentleman, greatly respected here for his amiable,
courteous, and enterprising disposition and character ; and in this
liberal provision has manifested his characteristic benevolence, and
his regard for educational institutions, and the prosperity and hap-
piness of the place where he spent his childhood and youth. Mr.
Nichols died at Paris, France, November 27th, 1852, at the age
of thirty-five years. His remains were subsequently interred at
Middlebury.

402 HISTORY OF MIDDLEEURT,

CHAPTER XXV.

ECCLESIASTICAL — EARLY LAWS FOR SUPPORTING THE GOSPEL — cfJjSTr
GREGATIONAL SOCIETY — PROCEEDINGS OF THE TOWN — EPISCO-
PAL SOCIETY — METHODIST SOCIETY — BAPTIST SOCIETY — CATHO-
LIC SOCIETY.

The doctrines respecting religious liberty and toleration, and the
relations of " Church and State," which prevailed in the States,
trom Avhich the immigrants came, were imported and established here.
The liberty of worshiping the Supreme Being according to one's own
convictions, was not denied, nor was any one forced to worship con-
trary to his convictions. Religion was regarded as essential to the
highest interests of the state, and therefore it was considered right
for the government to require all the citizens to pay their proportion
of taxes for its support, to some ecclesiastical organization. The con-
tribution of each must therefore be paid to the existing organization,
unless he belonged to some other, to which he contributed.

The following are the main provisions of the law existing in this
state from the organization of the town until the year 1801. "When
any number of the inhabitants of the town or parish, exceeding
twenty-five, being of a similar sect or denomination of Christians,
shall think themselves able to build a meeting house," and other-
wise provide for the support of the gospel, a town meeting was to
be called, and two thirds of those assembled, being not less than
twenty-five, were authorized to provide for erecting a meeting house
and " hire or otherwise agree with a minister to ofiiciate as a minis-
ter " of the inhabitants ; and to assess the necessary taxes to defray
the expenses. And it was further provided, that every voter in
town " shall be considered as being of the religious opinion and sen-
timent of such society, and liable to be taxed for the purposes afore-
said, unless he shall procure a certificate, signed by some minister of

HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY. " 403

ihe gospel, deacon, elder, modej^tor or clerk of the cliurch, con-
gregation, sect or denomination, to Avhich he belongs," making
" knoAvn the person procuring the same to be of the religious opin-
ion or sentiment of the signer thereof, and to what sect or denomi-
nation he belongs." This certificate was to be recorded in the
town clerk's office.

The Congregational was almost the only denomination known to
the first imunigrants, and was at first almost the only one established
in this state. It was established in this town as the "standinff
order," taxes were assessed for its support and ministers settled by
vote in town meeting, as other town business. The support of the
gosj)el in that denomination constituted an important share of the
business of those meetings, its history is a part of the history of the
town, and is therefore extended beyond the limits, which w"Ould oth-
erwise be assigned to h.

There had been, as elsewhere stated, religious meetings to some
extent, and occasional preaching in town before any action in town
meetings. At the annual meeting in March 1788, two years after
the organization of the town, and the first meeting, when any busi-
ness was done except the appointment of a few officers, the following
votes were passed :

'• Voted to choose a committee to stick a stake for the meetins:
house and pitch on a place or places to bury the dead."

"Voted, That Mr. Daniel Foot's house be a place to meet for
public worship for the present."

" Voted Daniel Foot, Benjamin Smalley, Abraham Kirby and
Nathaniel Mungcr be a committee to procure preaching for the
present year."

January 1, 1789, " Voted that the town be divided into two dis-
tict societies." " Voted, that the committee, that was appointed
last March, hire preaching for three montlis, as they, in their wis-
dom, shall think proper." March 2, 1789, " Voted that we will
try to procure preaching for the ensuing year. Voted that we will
raise a tax of three pence on the pound to be paid in wheat at 5s
per bushel. Voted that Benjamin Smalley, Abraham Kirby and
Jonathan Chipman be a committee for the purpose of procuring

404 HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY.

some suitable person to preach in tl»e to^Yn on probation for a settle-
ment. Voted that "we will meet one half of the time at the north
end of the town, and the other half at the south end of the town on
Sundays for public worship. Voted that Capt. Stephen Goodrich's
house for the north end and Mr. Bill Thayer's for the south end for
to meet at, at present. Voted to reconsider the vote passed last
town meeting conceniing tlividins; the town."
"July, 1769, "Voted that the committee try to hire Mr-. Parme-
lee, on probation five Sabbaths more, when he comes back. Voted
to re-consider the former vote that was passed^ to meet one half the
time at the north end and the other half at the south end of the
town for public worship, and that we will meet at Mr. Daniel Foot's
for said purpose."

February 8, 1790, " Voted to have the Eev. Mr. Parmelee to
preach for the term of six months on probation, if the situation of
his' family is such that they can be removed by sleighing, otherwise
for three months in the town of Middlebury."

March 11, 1790. Meeting warned "to see if they will raise a
tax to pay Mr. Parm.elee for preaching in said town for the space of
six or three months." " Voted Samuel JSliller, Esq., Moderator,
and tried to get a vote for the above purpose, and it passed in the
negative."

At a meeting April 12, 1790, notified, among other business;
" 4thly, to see if the town will agree to hire the llev. Mr. Barnett
to preach on probation, or some other person." " Voted Samuel
Miller, Esq . moderator of said meeting. Voted to appoint a com-
mittee to procure preaching for the present year. Voted Joshua
Hyde, John Doming and John Chipman, Esq., to be a committee
for the above purpose. Voted that we raise a tax of three pence on
the pound, to be raised on the list of the present year 1790, and
paid in grain by the first day of October next, — there being two
thirds in the affirmative, and those two thirds consisted of more than
twenty-five legal voters. Voted that wheat be paid at 5s and corn
at 3s per bushel, and other grain equivalent on said tax. Voted
not to act on the 4th article in the warning."

At a meeting June 2, 1790 warned " to defiberate on the subject

HISTORY OF MIUDLEI3URY. 405

of hiring or settling Rev. Mr. Sarnett as their minister, and choose •
a committee to treat with him, if necessary," it was '• voted to
choose a committee of three to treat with j\Ir. Barnett. Voted
Gamaliel Painter Esq., Capt. Stephen Goodrich and Joshua Hyde
a committee for said purpose."

June 15, 1790. " Voted to give the Rev. Mr. Barnett fifty
pounds L. money per year as a salary to commence at his settle-
ment. The above vote carried by more than two thirds of the
meeting, and those two thirds consisted of more than twenty-five
legal voters."

The result of these proceedings was, that the Rev. John Bar-
nett was ordained as pastor of the church and society on the 11th
of November 1790. In anticipation of his ordination, a Congre-
gational church was organized on the 5 th day of September pre-
vious, and adopted as their " articles of faith " the doctrines which
are common in the Calvinistic Congregational churches in New
England. The following persons composed the church at its organ-
ization : Daniel Foot, Elijah Buttolph, Moses Hale, Bethuel Good-
rich, Abraham Kirby, Ebenezer Sumner, Simon Farr, Prudence
Preston, Silence Goodrich, Abigail Foot, Sarah Farr and Deborah
Buttolph.

March 1791. "Voted that the selectmen for the present year be
a committee to treat with Rev. Mr. Barnett and agree with him on
some certain price, at which he will receive grain in payment of
his salary."

March 1793. "Voted to hold meetings in future in Mr, Ebenezer
Sumner's barn till such times as he shall fill it with hay,"

December 30, 1794, at a meeting held at John Foot's, "The
vote was called for the tax of 25 in addition to Mr. Barnett' s
salary and carried in the negative."

At a meeting at the same place January 1795, "Voted Mr. Bar-
nett a dismission agreably to the warning."

A committee was afterwards appointed to confer with Mr. Bar-
nett respecting his dismission or continuance as a minister ;" but
the result of the proceedings was that he was dismissed March 31,

1795. The controversy, which had e.xisted in the town, in relation
34

t

40G HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY.

to the place of holding meetings aiit^ the location of the meetiirg
house, which we have referred to elsewhere, had extended to the
church, and Avas the principal occasion for the dismission of their
pastor. Whether he took any part in the controversy does not ap-
pear ; but it rendered his position very unpleasant. It will be
recollected, that the town had voted to hold religious meetings at
Mr. jNIattocks' in the village for the time being, with such conditions'
as to future meetings, as rendered it hopeless, that they would ever
build a house of worship or again hold their meetings permanently
in the centre of the town. Some of the members of the church,
as well as others in that neighborhood, refused to attend the meet-
ings. This led to a course of discipline, and several members were
excluded or suspended ; but most of them aftei'wards returned, and
were received by the church. Dr. Merrill says, " Mr. Barnett
resided in town nearly two years after his dismission, he was chosen
moderator of the church and preached as a supply. After several
removals he died at Dorham N. Y. December 5, 1837, at the ad-
vanced age of eighty-four."

After Mr. Barnett left, measures were adopted from time to time
to sustain the preaching of the gospel, and various clergymen were
employed temporarily. The expenses were principally paid by taxes
voted by the town, but some times by subscription. In December
1798, some measures were adopted by the town toward extending an
invitation to Mr. Mason to become the permanent pastor ; and in
August 1799, similar measures were adopted in relation to Mr.
Thomas Bobbins ; but neither resulted in effecting the object. Mr.
Bobbins Avas son of Bev. Dr." Bobbins of Norfolk Conn., from un-
der Avhose preaching the Mungers and other settlers had removed,
was then a young man, and now Bev. Dr. Bobbins of Hartford.
Soon after jVIr. Bobbins left, Bev. Jeremiah AtAvater preached for
the society tAYO or three years, while acting as principal of Addison
County Gi-ammar School, and president of the college. Bev. Bos-
well Shurtliff, afterAvards professor in Dartmouth College, and Bev.
Moses Stewart, afterAvards professor in the Andover Theological
Seminary, supplied the pulpit for a time, and each receiA^ed a call to
settle as pastor, but both declined. Bev. Dr. Merrill and Bev.

HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY. 407

Walter Chapin. then officiating as tutors in Middlebury College,
jointly supplied the pulpit, for several months, commencing in
March 1805.

The meeting held July 1, 1799, was notified as other town meet-
ings were, but the business proposed and acted on related only to
the ecclesiastical affairs of the town. For the first time the officers
were chosen for the management of such business. Such continued
to be the practice until the alteration of the law in 1807. And
from this time those who assembled for that purpose were denomi-
nated a '• society," and sometimes " The first Congregational Soci-
ety,"' and in one case, " The Religious Society consisting of the
Town of Middlebury." The town clerk was also chosen and offici-
ated as the society's clerk ; their meetings were sometimes held at
the same time or an hour before the toAvn meetinsis, and the records
of both were for some years kept in the same book. After the
completion of the court house in 1798, the meetings for business
and for public worship were held in that building.

On the 3d of November 1801, the legislature altered the law
" for the support of the gospel," and instead of a certificate signed
by some church officer that the person belonged to some other de-
nomination, required only a certificate signed by himself in the fol-
lowing form : ' ' I do not agree in religious opinion with a majority
of the inhabitants of this town." This, being lodged with the town
clei'k for record, discharged the person signing it from all connection
with the society, and exempted him from all future taxes in it.
Previous to this few persons had lodged the required certificate ;
for few belonged to any other denomination. But there were many,
who thought themselves oppressed by being forced to pay taxes for
the support of an institution, of which they did not approve. With-
in two months after the alteration of the law, not less than forty^
three persons, liable to pay taxes, had released themselves and with-
in three years about thirty more.

y In December 1801, incipient measures were adopted toward the
erection of a church building, the location was fixed on the corner
where the Methodist chapel now stands, then owned by Daniel
Chipman, and a tax laid to defray the expense of the erection. It

408 HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY,

was in anticipation of this measure, that so large a number had
lotlgcfl their certificates. As the meeting house was not erected for
several years, it is possible, that this diminution of the society
might have had some influence in delaying its erection ; but there
were other sufficient causes of the delay, and the object was un-
doubtedly more satisfactorily accomplished, than it would have been
under the old law. In this country at least, the support of relig-
ious institutions is rather encumbered than aided by unwilling con-
tributors. Many who lodged certificates afterwards voluntarily
returned and united with the society, and became members of the
church.

The location of the church was several times changed, and at
length the present site was settled on, the land was purchased of
Laudon Case, who then owned it, and removed the house then
standing on it to the north part of the lot, where it is now occupied
by Dr. Charles L. Allen. The difficulty of fixing on the location
did not arise from any difference of interest, convenience or opin-
ion in the members of the society, but from a change of the general
taste and judgment. At a meeting in August 1805, it had been
decided, ' ' that the expense of building the house shall be defrayed
by a public sale of the pews;" a committee of seven, including
Judge Painter was appointed " to draw a plan of a meeting house,
and expose the pews for sale by public auction," twenty per cent to
be paid in money, " and the remainder in neat cattle or materials
for building."

After the location was finally settled, the committee proceeded to
make the necessary arrangements, and Judge Painter acting as the
agent for that purpose, contracted with Mr. Lavius Fillmore, an ex-
perienced architect to erect and complete the building. The build-
ing was commenced in the spring of 1806, and the frame was put
up and covered, so that, with temporary seats, the legislature assem-
bled in it to hear the election sermon that fall ; but the house was
not completed until the spring of 1809. It was dedicated on the
31st of May of that year. The sermon was preached by Rev.
Heman Ball of Rutland. The expense of the building, we think,
was between seven and eight thousand dollars, — about half what it

HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY. 409

would cost now. The Kouse when completed was regarded as not
inferior to any one in the state, and its steeple, — 135 feet in hight, —
is still admired for the beauty of its proportions. The pews or
slips were circular, having the pulpit for the centre of the circle, so
that the whole audiance, in their natural position, faced the speaker.
With a few alterations, in lowering the pulpit and otherwisje, and
necessary repairs, the house was used until the summer of 1854. In
the meantime the society, by the individual contribution of pews
and money, had obtained the ownership of about two thirds of the
slips on the lower floor, the rent of which had been appropriated to
meet the expenses of the society.

Previous to the season above mentioned, arrangements had been,
for some months, maturing for a thorough repair and alteration of
the house to make it conform to the more modern style of such
buildings. The society had decided on the alterations to be made,
and several gentleman, belonging to the society proposed to com-
plete them, under the direction of the society's committee, and pur-
chase the remaining pews owned by individuals on their own re-
sponsibility, with the right to compensate themselves from the sale
of the pew^ on the lower floor. This proposition was accepted.
Under this contract the following alterations and repairs were made.
The whole interior of the building was torn out, except the frame
of the gallery ; the floor was raised two feet, together with the tim-
bers under it ; two chimneys were built at the north end for the
smoke from the furnaces ; the front of the gallery was lowered
eight inches, and the stairways and entrances to the gallery rebuilt ;
the pulpit was remodelled, and the lower floor and gallery re-seated,
with four aisles below, instead of three as before; the west and north
walls, which supported the building were taken down and rebuilt,
and the earth, under and on the west side of the church, reduced
about five feet, and a handsome and convenient lecture room, forty
five by thirty-six feet, built in the basement, and furnaces placed in
the basement for warming the house above.

The expense of these alterations, with some exterior repairs,
and the purchase of pews belonging to individuals, was somewhat
more than seven thousand dollai-s, — about the sum of the original

410 HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY.

cost of the building. Pews were sold to nearly the amount of this
sum in one day, subject to a ground rent, which will amount to
about five hundred dollars annually. Several families, Avhich liad
not before been ccfnnected with the society, secured pews. The
house was dedicated anew on the oth day of February, 1855, and
sermons were preached during the day and evening by Rev. R. S.
Kendall, the pastor, Rev. Dr. Labaree and Rev. Professor Boardman,

"We return to the general history of the society, the date of -which
■we have anticipated. On the 15th of August, 1805, — the day on
Avhich the final measures for erecting the church originally were
adopted, — an invitation was extended to i\Ir. Thomas A. Merrill to
become their pastor, and he was ordained as such on the 19th of
December, 1805. Rev. Asa Burton, with whom Mr. Merrill had
pursued his theological studies, preached the sermon on the occasion.

Mr. Merrill w'as crraduated at Dartmouth Colleore in 1801, and
had officiated as tutor in that institution before he came here. He
continued to perform the duties of pastor until the 19th of October,
1842, when he presented a request to be released wholly from pas-
toral duties ; agreeing, in that case, to relinquish his salary ; and
this proposition was accepted by the church. He afterwards preached
occasionally in other places, and for several of his last years, as
long as his health permitted, he supplied the destitute church in
AVeybridge. He had been for some time afflicted with a disease of
the heart, of which he died on the 29th day of April, 1855. He
had a reputation for talents of a high order, and at the commence-
ment of Middlebury College in 1837, the corporation conferred on
him the degree of Doctor of Divinity. During his ministry, the
society and church of "which he was pastor greatly prospered, and
large additions, from time to time, were made to each. By his con-
nection with all the ecclesiastical bodies of the Congregational de-
nomination, and with the important benevolent associations in the
state, and by his punctual attendance and active labors in them, he
exerted an extensive influence among the clergy and churches, which
was highly appreciated.*

*Rev. Josiah Goodhue, late pastor of the church in Shoreham, soon after Dr.
Merrill's aeath, published a valuable memoir of his life; ?>nd Dr. Sprague, in his

J^?

^^-;^C'r><><^'i.^^^(^'^y^''^^

lilSTORYOF MIDDLEBURY. , 411

After Dr. Merrill was released from his pastoral duties, the pul-
pit was temporarily supplied by difierent clergymen. In the spring
of 1844, Mr. Samuel G. Coe, of Greenwich, Conn., son of Rev.
Noah Coe, of that place, preached several weeks for the society,
and the society and church severally invited him to become their
pastor. lie accepted the invitation, and was ordained on the 17th
day of July, 1S44. Rev. Dr. Bacon, of New Haven, Conn ,
preached the ordination sermon. Mr. Coe was dismissed, at his own
request, on the 30th of October, 1850, and has since been the pas-
tor of a church in Daiibury, Conn.

On the 14th day of April, 1853, Rev. R. S". Kendall, late pro-
fessor iu Illinois College, on the invitation of the church and society,
was installed pastor. He continued to discharge the duties of that
oflSce until his ill health compelled him to request a release from
them, and he was dismissed on the 4th day of June, 385G.

Eor another year the society Avas left destitute of a settled pastor,
and supplied Avith preaching by several different clergymen. In
the spring of 1857, they extended an invitation to Rev. James T.
Hyde, the present pastor, Avho had been for a year or two supply-
ing the pulpit of Rev. Dr. Bushnell, in Hartford, in his absence iu
California. The invitation was accepted^ and Mr. Hyde was in-
stalled pastor of the church and society on the 10th day of June,
1857. Rev. Dr. Bushnell preached the sermon on the occasion.

On the 24th of October, 1807,the legislature repealed all the ex-
isting laws for the support of the gospel, except such as invested
voluntary associations Avith corporate powers, and legalized all con-
tracts voluntarily made for that purpose. Since that time the sup-
rort of the gospel has been left entirely on the voluntary system.
This society was immediately called together, and agreed to form an
association, under the law Avhich remained, and as their constitution
and articles of association, adopted the provisions of the law Avhich
had been repealed, by signing this agreement and articles of as-
sociation, each person became a member. The new society \'oted to

"Annals of the American Pulpit," has given a sketch of his life and character;
which supercede more particular details here.

412 HlgTORT OF MIDDLEBURY.

assume the rights and obligations of that -which had been di^olved.

Many persons were alarmed lest this sudden -withdrawal of ^eg--
islative aid should undermine all religious institutions, and dissolve
the relations of pastors and churches. But no such devastation oc-
curred in the Congregational Society. The church building, -which
was in the process of erection, proceeded vigorously to its comple-
tion, and the pastor, who had been but a short time settled, remained
as firmly settled as before. And we heard of no place where any
serious injury occurred. It opened the way for the more convenient
establishment of otJ^er denominations, which soon sprung up, and,
without doubt, by giving each man the right of selection, more per-
sons are enlisted in the aid of religious institutions. Notwith-
standing the multitudes who have connected themselves with other
associations, the Congregational society has been more prosperous
than it would have been under the old law.

The entire destruction of the records on the 22d of February,
1852, left no evidence of the proceedings of the society since 1805,
when they began to be kept separately from the records of the town,
nor of the persons who constituted the association, or of the terms
and conditions on which it was formed. The society was therefore
called together for the purpose of renewing their compact and arti-
cles of association, as far as practicable, so as to constitute them-
selves a continuation of the former society, with the same rights and
obligations. At the meeting called for that purpose on the 31st of
March, 1852, they adopted a compact, with rules and conditions
somewhat more particular, but such generally as had been from
time to time voted by the society. In order to avoid all appearance
of constraint, one article is, that any person may at any time dis-
charge himself from his connection with the association, and from
all obligations he had assumed. The business has progressed pre-
cisely as before the destruction of the records.

The numbers of the society and of the church have varied at dif-
ferent times. While there have been accessions from time to time,
the numbers in both have been greatly dimniished by removals and
deaths, especially in the agricultural districts. Dr. Merrill, while
pastor, from 1806 to 18-12j — each yeai* ending June 1, — kept a

HISTORY OF MIDDLEBIRY. 41

n

list of the additions to the church, and the deaths and dismissions to
other churches, and the remainino; members ; as did the succecdini:
pastors generally. June 1, 1806, the number of members was 197.
From this period the number annually increased until 1817, when
the number was 428. From that time to 1840, — we have not be-
fore correct data of later years, — the smallest number, 404, was
in 1820 ; and the largest number, 781, in 1836. In 1840, the last
of these years, it was 515. During the period which soon followed,
while the church had no settled pastor, or the pastors were frequently
changed, the number, by reason of deaths and removals, declined.
It appears by a record of Rev. Mr. Kendall in 1853, that the num-
ber was 358, some of whom were absent members, — as was the case
in other years, — and, among them, 19 clergymen. Since the in-
stallation of the present pastor, Rev. James T. Hyde, in June 1857,
84 have been added, and many have died or been dismissed, leaving
the number in June 1859 about four hundred.

ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH.

The following history has been furnished, at our request, by Rev.
W. T. Webbs, rector of St. Stephen's Church in Middlebury.

The history of St. Stephens Church and of the Society to which
it belongs, can only now be given with that brevity and incomplete-
ness that results from deriving the knowledge that we possess from
dry records of past recurrences, and not from the recollection, from
the memory of an eye witness, or an actor in the scene. All of
the individuals prominent in the establishment of this Parish, have
gone from among us. The very meagre statements of business
meetings, never very accurately kept, and the indefinite allusion to
circumstances perhaps deemed unnecessary or unworthy of very
much minuteness of detail, is all that can be relied upon as the ma-
terials for this sketch. No attempt will be made to do more than
condense the principal circumstances in order as they have occurred,
leaving the real history of the Society confessedly unwritten. Many
circumstances in the early efforts made to obtain clergymen, and

many matters that to the worshippers in this church, scattered all

35

414 HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY.

over the land, would be of the greatest possible interest, must go'
unnoticed, unrecorded.

The Society was organized December 5th, 1810, under the name
of the " First Episcopal Society in Addison County," according to
an act passed October 20th, 1797, entitled " An act for the support
of the Gospel." Horatio Seymour, Joel Doolittle, George Cleve-
land,-Wm. B. Sumner, John A. Sumner, Isaac Landon, Sam.
Clark, John Alexander, D. Henshaw, "William Kellogg, Joseph
Brackett, Luther Barnard, Daniel Chipman, Lavius Fillmore, John
Willard, Lewis Stearns, Eben W. Judd, Stephen Weston, Roger
Haskill, Sam' S. Phelps, Robert Ilolley, Jun., Chas' P. Harris-,
Dorastus WocBter, Jonathan Hagar, Alfred B. Allen, Josh' Burks,
Albert P. Heath, Sam' H. Holley, Ozias Seymour, George Chip-
man, John Chipman, Joseph Hough, Chas' Linsley, N. Wood,
James McDonald, Eobt' B. Bates, Edwd' Tudor. Calvin C. ^^alker,
G. C. Loomis, J. W. Stephens, were among the earliest numbers
of the Society, but how many of them identified themselves vrith
it at the first meeting is not known.

Services were held, and arrangements made with clergymen
who visited the village occasionally, supplied for a season the
wants of the people until 1811, when a resident Minister was se-
cured. Public Worship at first was held in the Court-House.
Then a room belonging to the late Judge Seymour was placed at
the disposal of the Society, which -was used for many years. At
length a building belonging to Mr. Daniel Henshaw, was fitted up
for the exclusive purpose of Public Worship, and continued to be
80 used until the present edifice known as St. Stephen's Church was
erected. The first steps towards this important improvement in the
condition and welfare of the Society, appear to have been taken as
early as 1825.*

*xin unsuccessful effort had been made in 1816. A committee ■was appointed,
measures were taken to raise the necessary funds, -, and a resolution was passed
April 2i3t 1817, directing certain steps to be taken " for building a church en the
ground purchased by George Cleveland, agreeable to the plan submittea by Eben
"\V. Judd," and a eommittee of five was appointed to superintend the building of
the church. The records fail to indicate the reason why this design was never car-
ried into effect.

nrSTORY OF MIDDLEBUIIY. 415

The follo^Ying resolution appears in the minutes of the proceed-
?ng3 of the Society passed Ju]j 11th, in that year,

' ' E-esolved, That a Committee be appointed to enquire -where
will be the most eligible place in vrhich to erect a Church, and what
will be the probable expense of obtaining the same, Messrs, Ho-
ratio Seymour, Eben Judd, Joseph Hough, George Cleveland,
Nathan Wood, Lavius Fillmore, James jNIcDonald were appointed
the said Committee." In the mouth of July, this Committee made
a verbal report, and a resolution was adopted " to examine into the
expediency of soliciting aid from abroad to build a Church,"' The
Rev, B, B. Smith, Hon. Horatio Seymour and Danl' Chipman
were appointed the Committee for this purpose. At tbis meeting
Col. S, S, Phelps was added to the Committee, formerly raised on
the subject of a site. It was further resolved that the Committee
inquire " on what terms the lot of Mr, Van Ness, Mr. AYainwright's,
Mr, Henshaw's and Judire Doolittle's lots can be obtained, and
whether liberty would be granted to build a Church on the Com-
mon, &c."

There is no record of the result of the labors and investigations
of these Committees ; but in August, a Committee of five was ap-
pointed to " make a plan of a Church, with an estimate of the
probable expense of building on the site selected by the Committee
appointed by the Town of Middlebury for that purpose," In Sep-
tember, the Committee already named, was appointed to ascertain
what sums can be obtained to erect a Church on the spot located by
a Committee of the town, and the same persons were to be consid-
ered as the Building Committee, and are directed to proceed in the
erection of the building, with as much expedition as the case will
admit of

There is no farther record as to the'completion of the erection, or
as to the time of the Consecration of the building. This, as we learn
from other sources, took place on the 14th day of September, 1S27.
The names of the individuals who have been regularly settled in
the village as oflSciating Ministers, are the Rev. P, Adams, from
1811 to 1814, The Rev. S, S. SaiFord, from 1814 to 1816. The
Rev. George Leonard, a part of the year, 1817, Rev. B. B, Smith,

41i> HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURT.

1823 to 182S. Rev. S. A. Crane, 1831 to 1835. Rev. S. R.
Crane, 1835 to 1837- Rev. W. XL Hojt, 1837, to 1838. Rev.
J. W. Diller, 1838 to 1842. The Rev. Jedidiah Huntington, 1842
to 1843. Rev. Joseph F. Philips, 1843 to 1847. The Rev. Mr.
Ilickox. of Westport, N. Y., supplied the parish with occasional
services xluring the year 1849. Rev. Mr. Mulchahey, 1849 to 1854.
Rev. W. T. Webbe, elected bj the Vestry on the 4th of June 1854,
and Instituted to that office on the 4th of July 1855, is the present
Rector.

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
(by rev. b. m. hall.)

The exact date of the introduction of Methodism into INIiddlebury
is not known. The published Minutes of the Conference mention
the name of the town, as designating a circuit, in 1810, for the first
time. But there was Methodist preaching here much earlier ; and
there is reason to believe that a Society had been formed several
years anterior to that date.

There is now living in this village, an aged member of the church,
who assures the writer that she came here with her husband in 1804,
and found both Methodists and Methodist preaching at that date.

Rev. Ebenezer Washburn was one of the early ministers who
travelled in Western Vermont ; and was on the Vergennes Circuit
in 1801. In 1842, he published in the Christian Advocate and
Journal, a series of letters, containing reminiscences of his early
itinerancy. In those letters the following paragraph occurs :

"At Middlebury I found a small and persecuted class. Our
preaching was at the house of Lebbeus Harris : and in the midst of
that village our average congregation was from twenty-five to thirty.
Mr. and Mrs. Harris were deeply pious, and ready to greet the
preacher with joy at his coming, and to render him every service
and accommodation to make him comfortable and happy while he
stayed."

Mr. Washburn was, in that year, (1801) appointed to Brandon
Circuit, which was then newly organized, and composed of the

HISTORY OF MIDDLEBUUY. 417

southern part of Vergenncs Circuit, wliich had extoiuletl far south
of Brandon.

Lcbbcus Harris and his wife, who are mentioned above, were con-
verted in the spring of 1801 ; the same year in which Mr. Wash-
burn came upon the circuit and found a small class. A record of
their conversion was made by ^Ir. Harris, and preserved in his Old
Pocket Book, now in the possession of his son, Dr. Harris, of this
place. It is as follows :

" IMiddlebury, xVpril 21, ISOl. This day Sally Harris made a
profession of Religion."

" ^liddlebury, May 18, 1801 : This day Lebbeus Harris made a
profession of Religion."

On the back of the paper are these words : " Old things are done
away, and all things are become new."

Taking into account the above facts and dates, we shall be safe
in believing that a Society has existed here almost from the organ-
izing of the Circuit in 1798.

The first preacher appointed to Vergennes Circuit was Joseph
Mitchell, who is described as " a man of extraordinary natural pow-
ers ; — a shrewd, witty, enei'getic and overwhelming preacher."

Mr. Mitchell was admitted into the travelling connection iu 1 794
and located in 1804. ^

The next preacher was Joseph Sawyer. He was in charge of
several important places, including the Presiding Eldership of Up-
per Canada District, during four years. He also retired from the
itinerancy, after having travelled thirteen years ; and of his later
life there is no record.

In 1800 Henry Ryan was Pastor of this charge. This was his
first appointment, after which he served in Fletcher, Plattsburgh,
Bay Quintie, (Canada) Long Point and Niagara Circuits. He was
Presiding Elder of both Upper and Lower Canada Districts in suc-
cession : also of Bay Quintie District, and Missionary to the Chippe-
way Indians in Canada. After laboring twenty-five years, he be-
came a Superannuate in Canada.

Mr. Ryan was a man of vast size and strength, and utterly fear-
less in the presence of those " lewd fellows of the baser sort," who

413 HISTORY OF JITDDLBBrRY.

sometimes delighted in making disturbanca in rvicihodist meetinggj
and mal-treating Methodist preachers. More than one such fellow'
has taken counsel of that discretion which "is the better part of
valor," and retired before this " son of thunder."

Ebenezer Washburn, the first whose name is associated, particu-
larly, with that of Middleburj, was a man who lived long, labored
much, and died Avell. In his letters we find the following, which
refers to his labors on this Circuit. :

'• Here too, I was compelled to be a man of contention. If I
presented Christ to the people as having tasted death for every man,
that was strenuously opposed by the doctrine of partial atonement.
If I called upon sinners to repent and believe the Gospel, I was
told that a sinner could not repent until he was converted. If I
preached the knowledge of sin forgiven, that was wild and danger-
ous fanaticism."

Speaking of the trials which he endured on this circuit, Mr.
Washburn says ;

" I have had stones and snow balls cast at me in vollies. I have
had great dogs sent after me, to frighten my horse, as I was peace-
fully passing through small villages. Eut I was never harmed by
any of them. I have been saluted with the sound of • Glory, ho-
sanna, amen, hallelujah' ; mixed with oaths and profanitj'. If I
turned my horse, to ride toward them, they would show their vrant
of confidence, both in their master, and in themselves, by fleeing
like base cowards."

In 1802, Elijah Chichester was the preacher. He was one of
the strong men of the times ; and had he made preaching the busi-
ness of his life, would have risen to the high places in Zion. But
having travelled about eight years, he located, and entered into mer-
cantile business in the city of Troy. In later years he removed to
Lansinn-burgh, and continued in the same business until the infirmi-
ties of age admonished him to rest. He entered into his final rest
a few years since, at Lansiugburgh, and the writer of this preached
his funeral sermon.

William Anson next appears in this field of labor, but of his toils,
or success here, we have no account. The old members who were

niSTOHY OF MIDDLECURT 419

living but a few years since, and. whose memories would have gone
back to those times, are gone from us. By consulting tlie Minutes
of the Conference, Ave find that the numbers in ir'ocietj increased
during his year from 227 to 268, — a very fair per centagc.

Mr. Anson was a faithful and competent minister. In all his re-
lations, on Circuits, in Stations, and as Presiding Elder, h& showed
" all good fidelity." On account of impaired health, he sought re-
tirement on his farm in Saratoga Co , N. Y., in 1823. There he
remained until 1848, when he died in great peace, respected and
belove.d

lu 1804 James M. Smith travelled this Circuit. Of him but
little is known at this late date. That he was a man of good tal-
ents is evinced by the grade of his appointments. The largest vil^
lages in the Conference, in connection with Kew York City, shared
his labors.

Samuel Cochrane was on the circuit in 1805. All that can be
learned of him, is, that he served the cause well in places of im-
portance and responsibility, until 1842, when he was returned su-
perannuated, lie was living in 1846 — "old and full of days."

Samuel Draper was one of the strong men of his day, and he
came to this field in 1806. He was admitted into the travellino-
connection in 1801, and died in 1824. His "record is on high,"
and his memoiy is yet fragrant among the preachers of olden time.
As Presiding Elder on Champlain, and Ashgrove Districts, each
four years ; he was faithful, efficient, and beloved. His "works do
follow" him.

Next came Dexter Bates, whose connection with the travelling
ministry was brief; he located in 1809. He was followed by An-
drew jSlcKcan. This was a good man and a good preacher. But
like many in those days, he found the labors too severe for his phys-
ical powers ; and after some years of useful toil, was obliged to re-
tire from active service. Taking his place with the worn-out mem-
bers of the conference, he took up his residence on his farm in Sar-
atoga Co., N. Y., where he still resides.

This closes the first period of the history of Methodism in this
immediate vicinity. It is, in some sense, the traditionary period ;

420 HISTORY OF MIDULEBURY.

for though the published Minutes of the Conference are preserved,
and we there find the stations of the preac/wrs, and some statisti-
c d information ; jet there is but little of the kind that is needed for
the '• filling up." There arc no details, except such as are laid up in
the memories of the ancients, and some fragments in the scanty
reminiscences of aged ministers who have written, now and then, for
the weekly press.

Middleburj first gave its name to a circuit, or station, in 1810,
and Phineas Peck was the first resident Pastor. The appointment
probably became a Station, in contradistinction from a Circuit, at
this date. How many v/ere in Society at this time, cannot be known,
for heretofore the numbers for the whole circuit were reported in
gross. But at the end of Mr. Peck's first, and also of his second
year, there were sixty members reported.

Mr. Peck is remembered by some who yet live, and is represented
as a man of sound sense, sterling integrity^ and good preaching tal-
ents. It is said that he was once Chaplain to the State Legislature. In
Dr. Bangs' History of the M. E. Church, there is a list of names ot
all the preachers who have joined the Travelling Connection — of
the time of joining — of deaths — of withdrawals — or expulsions, as
the case may be — with the date of each. From that list it appears
that Mr. Peck died in 1835 ; but at what place, is not know.*

In the spring of 1813, Samuel Howe was stationed in Middle-
bury : and also again in 1816 — remaining but one year each time.
It was during his first year that the first Chapel was erected. It
was a humble structure ; yet it was, doubtless, much better than
the " loft " in which they had worshipped since leaving the house of
Lcbbeus Harris. Besides, it was their own, and erected specifically

*The preaching place at this time, was au •' upper room " in what is now called
Seymour's Block, at the north end of the Bridge. It was about this time that two
men from the " father-land," who were Methodists, arrived in town, and the next
day being the Sabbath, they walked out, in order to see if a Methodist Meeting
could be found. Seeing no house which appeared like a Chapel, they began to de-
spair, when the sound of Praise was heard issuing from a private house ; and after
listening to the words and music, they said to each other ; ''There is a Methodist
Class-Meeting ;" and they both wept for joy ! They entered, and found a happy
introduction to Methodism in the New World.

HISTOKT OF illDDLElJUKY. 421

for the worship of God ; and the Saviour, whose birth-place was
emphatically humble, did not disdain to be with those who were
gathered in His name.

We have no report of numbers at the end of Mr. Hov/e's first
year ; but judging from what the writer knows of the man, he is
confident that the Gospel was faithfully proclaimed, and the Church
edified — and doubtless, some souls were converted.

Mr. Howe became an itinerant in 1801, and labored diligently
until 1831, when his impaired health rendered it necessary for him
to fake a superannuated relation.

On the 16, Feb. 1858, he went to Troy to attend the funeral of
an aged and esteemed member of the Church. After the sermon,
which was preached by another, Mr. Howe made a few remarks, and
closed by saying : "I have entered my 78th year, and expect soon
to follow the deceased, and hope to meet him in heaven." He im-
mediately retired to one of tlie Class-Rooms in the basement — sat
down in a chair, and expired before the procession had left the Church!
" How many fall as sudden ; — not so safe !'*

The next in the regular succession of Pastors, was Cyprian H.
Gridley, who remained two years. We have no report of numbers
at the end of his first year, but at the close of the second there
were 100 members. He was stationed here again in 1818 ; and in
1820 he was compelled by ill health to take a superannuated relation,
which continued for twenty-four years, during all which time he
resided in Middlebury,

In 1844 he became eficctive, and travelled until 1850, when he
once more retired from the open field. He is now, (1859.) residing
at Appleton, Wisconsin ; with some of his children. Mr. Gridley
joined the itinerant band when it was feeble in all this region, and
" endured hardness as a o;ood soldier of Jesus Christ," so lonii as
his health would permit.

The many in this place who remember him, will call to mind his

small, but wiry frame — and quick elastic step ; and also his mighty

prayers and moving exhortations. In these exercises he had

few equals. When he was young in the ministry, it was supposed

by many, even in the moral and orderly Village of Middlebury,
36

422 HISTORY OF MIDDLEBL'RY.

that it was neither unlawful nor clishonorablc, to disturb MethodisS
meetings, or mal-treat Mothodist Ministers! j\Ir. Giidley has many
interesting recollection in this department of experience. On many
occasions he was followed from evening meetings, by savage liooiings,
and assailed by dangerous missiles ! On one occasion his window
was broken in the night, and a large and heavy ^/e was thrown into
his house and found sticking in the wall above the bed on which he
lay at the time of the assult ! He facitiously remarked, that he
thought that the devil was about to retire from business, as he had
begun to distribute his tools.

Now, why was Methodism so violently persecuted ? Any other
ism^ no matter how erroneous or fanatical, could' have shown itself
in the same place, and made its proselytes without such opposition.
I leave the answer to such as are responsible.

As before-stated, Samuel Ilowe was here for the second time in
181G. This was a year of trial, and many were distressed for food.
It was called " The cold season," and at the end of the Conference
year I find the following entry in the Book of Records.

'• N. B. This year, paid P. Elder, II. Stead, in all $23,00
•• " ^' Bev. S. Howe, '^ 256,00

.1ti27900
" Cheap enough for the pure Gospel ; we hope lo do better next
year. As this was a severe season in these northern parts, some
were destitute of a morsel of bread ; and surely, both ministers and
people must have suffered. But, 0, that there may never be a
famine of the pure gospel word of grace !'.'*

In the spring of 1817, the church was favored with the minis-
trations of Buell Goodsell. This able minister, has occupied prom-
inent positions among his brethren, and yet lives to enjoy their re-
spect and affection, in the New York East Conference.

James Youngs was stationed here in 1819-1820. He was a

*The New York ConfciTence held its session here in June 1817. At that
time the Tyhole number of prcaclicra in the Conference was ninety-four. Since that
lime the Conference has been divided into three — all numbering about five hundred
preacher?. Bisliop Gcoro;p iivas the presiding officer, " A mighty man of Ood."'

HISTORY OF MTDDLEBURY. 423

fnan of social habits, kindly feelings, and catliolic spirit ; and was
influential in bringing in a better state of feeling among Cliristians :
dispensing with that bigotry so often seen in those days — so unlovely
and injurious to all.

lie was an able minister, and his mind was well stored, and well
disciplined ; a scholar, a Christian, and a Divine.

Ne.\t in order was Ebenezer Brown, — a minister of rare talents,
sound mind, deep thought, and popular address. Under his labors
the Chapel proved too small — " the place was too strait," and the
house was enlarged. Still, a portion of the " Old-fashioned Meth-
odists " were not quite pleased with the preacher. He was not
loud enough for them, though sufficiently so to be heard with the
greatest distinctness and ease in all pai'ts of the house.

Besides, he had a fashion of tying his white cravat in a double-
hoy^, in front ; and moreover, his hair stood up in front, instead of
lying smooth cly down on his forehead ! AVhen labored with for this
last olTcncG, his explanation was, that he had a " Cow-lick " on one
side of his forehead, and his hair on that side stubbornly refused to
comply with the usage, and he chose to allow the other side to
keep it company !

Notwithstanding these faults, Mr. Brown was quite successful,
and the membership increased about fifty per cent during his year
of service. He left the itinerancy in 1825, and entered into busi-
ness in the city of Troy.

In 1822 Noah Levings was appointed to this station, where he
remained but one year. He was young as a minister at that date,
and had not arrived at the maturity which he reached in later years.
Starting from the anvil in the city of Troy, soon after reaching his
majority, and with but a limited English education, he won his way
to the " high places in Zion." He was studious and quick to learn,
and his literary attainments became very respectable.

He was never one of the most profound — but one of the most
popular preachers : — he was eloquent in the best sense of the word.
His address was pleasing, his manner easy, his heart warm, his doc-
trine pure, and his voice like teolian music !

Having served the churches in the cities of Troy, Schenectady

42-i HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY.

and Albany, some of them more than one term, he was transferred
to New York, and stationed at Vestry Street. While there he was
elected Financial Secretary of the American Bible Society, which of-
he held until the close of his useful life. While stationed in Sche-
nectady, he received the Degree of D, D., from Union College.

In the Fall of 1848 he left New York, intending to visit large
portions of the South W^est in behalf of the Bible Society ; and
while in that region, in the midst of the Cholera, which then pre-
vailed,he was attacked with disease which he knew was alarming ; and
he hastened toward home by way of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers.
Having reached Cincinnati he could proceed no further, and at the
house of his former friend and Brother, INIr. Burton, with no mem-
ber of his family present, he " entered into rest," on the 9th day
of January, 1849. He died like the good and happy Minister —
expressing his unshaken faith in that Gospel, and Saviour which he
bad so long preached to others.

During his ministry of thirty years, he officiated] in eighteen
Circuits and stations, — preached about four thousand times — dedi-
cated thirty-eight churches — delivered sixty-five miscellaneous ad-
dresses— two hundred and seventy-three addresses in behalf of the
Bible Society, — and travelled more than thirty-six thousand miles \
Surely, he exhibited the "signs of an Apostle."

John J. Pilatthias had charge of this church in 1823, for one
year only. He was, at one time, in the early history of Coloniza-
tion, the Governor of the Colony of Liberia, in Africa ; and is now
a prominent member of the New Y^^ork East Conference.

■■ Robert Seeney followed Mr. Matthias. He is reported as one of
the best Pastors ever stationed in this place — one who performed the
greatest amount of visiting in a strictly pastoral manner. In preach-
ing, he is said to have greatly excelled ; being full of thought, easy
in manner, and rapid and graceful in elocution. On Sabbath morn-
ings he would be in great distress through nervous excitement — feel-
ing as if he could not possibly preach, and giving illustrations of
motion without progt^ess ; for he would hurry from room to room,
in his efforts to prepare for going to church, and yet if his wife did

mSTO:iY OF illDDLEBURY 425

liot follow, and put him in order by piece-meal, he was likely to go
with haif-adjusted apparel and hair unkempt !

John B. Stratton became the pastor in 1825. lie was received
into the travelling connection fifty-eight years ago, and is still hale
and strong. After having occupied important posts in the ministry,
and discharging his duties with the greatest fidelity, he is enjoying
a green old age in the oJBSce of Presiding Elder on Burlington Dis-
trict, in which this town is included. As he is in our midst, it may
not be proper to say more ; except that, as he has been one of our
ablest men, we hope that his robust health and unabated vigor may
continue to the church his services for years to come.

John Clark was pastor in 182G-7. lie was admitted in 1822,
and having made good use of his time and means, became an able
minister. He was favored with considerable revival, and saw the
membership increased during his administration from 126 to 182.
Though not quite thirty-one years old when his term expired here,
yet he was made Presiding Elder of Plattsburgh District, and showed
himself an accomplished and efficient officer in that capacity. He
was next appointed to New York City, where he served one year,
and then offiered himself as a missionary to Green Bay.

In that field he continued five years, having charge of all our
missions and schools among the Indians in the whole North West.
His labors were extreme, and often perilous. His travels were ex-
tensive, reaching fiom Green Bay and Sault de Ste. Jslarie, to Mack-
inaw,— and westward to the Mississippi Fuver. The country was
then a vast wilderness, and the modes of travel — by canoes and port-
ages, both slow and toilsome.

On leaving the Indian work, he spent a few years as Prcsidiag
Elder in northern Illinois, and then volunteered for Texas. In go-
ing to that country, he took the over-land route, via St. Louis, with
his own horses and wagon, taking his wife and child with him. In
that journey they slept under their own tent twenty-one nights be-
fore reaching their destination !

After three years passed in that region, the health of his family
required his return ; and in 1844 he again became a member of this
Conference. Having remained with us eight years, he took a trans-

426 HISTORY OF MIDDLEBIJRY.

fer to Rock River Conference, and was stationed at Clark street,
Chicago. He had nearly finished his two years there when he was
smitten with cholera, and died in great peace, July 11, 1854.

John C. Green succeeded Mr. Clark in this station in 1828. Of
him there is not much to he said.

Jarvis Z. Nichols was next in order. He is still in the vineyard,
in the New York Conference.

He was succeeded by Peter C. Oakley, who also is a member of
the same Conference ; — a man of sweet spirit, pleasing manners and
good talents.

Charles P. Clarke came to this place in 1833, and was stationed
here again in 1844, remaining but a year at each time. lie was quite
successful the first time, — increasing the membership from 200 to
307. He went south the year after his last labors here, and his lo-
cality is not known. He joined the Protestant E. Church, and we
have lost his address.

Merritt Bates came next in order, and was an elficient and suc-
cessful laborer, and the church was increased in numbers and edi-
fied. He is still in this Conference.

In 1836 Joseph Ayres became the pastor for one year, and again
in 1841, for two years. There was a great revival during his last
term, and the numbers went up to 451 ! He is now preaching in
Northern Ohio.

After his first term came John (now Dr.) Frazer, who preached
here in 1837-8. It was during his term that the present House of
worship was erected. It is 45 feet in width, and 69 in length ; hav-
ing a basement with a Lecture Room 30 by 45 feet, and four class-
rooms : and is surmounted by a belfry and beautiful spire. Mr, Fra-
zer has since been transferred to Ohio, where he is still in the ministry.

A. M. Osborn was appointed here in 1839, and tarried but one
year. He is now a member of New York Conference, and wears
the title of D. B.*

*The Troy annual Conterence, ■which was organized in 1832, met in Middlebury
in 1840. Bishop Roberts presided — a white-haired, apostolic looking old man, who
preached on the Sabbath, with great effect. He has since been called to his re-
ward in the higher Kingdom. .

IIISTOllY OF AUDLLEBURY. 427

Cyrus Priridle was the next incumbent, and served two years.
lie soon after seceded from the Church, and joined the "American
Wesleyan Church."

In 1847, Elijah B. Hubbard was the pastor. It was a year of
deep and sore trial to him, for he was prostrated by painful and lin-
gering disease, and his excellent wile was taken away by death !
These afflictions gave his nervous system a shock from which he
never fully recovered; and he died at Fort Edward, N. Y., April
22, 1852.*

Lester Janes preached in this place in 1848. He has since ta-
ken up his abode in the West, vrhere he has been employed alter-
nately in preaching and teaching.

B. 0. Meeker was the next Pastor, and served this people in
1849-50. The numbers were considerably increased under his la-
bors. He is still a member of this Conference.

He was followed by his brother, Hiram Meeker, who Avas the
Pastor for two years. At the end of that time he became supernu-
merary, and continues to reside here, engaged in the practice of
medicine.

The next incumbent was Robert Fox, who tarried but one year,
and was succeeded by Peter M. Hitckcock. Here this minister, al-
so, buried his wife after a long and painful illness !

H. C. II. Dudley was appointed to this charge in 1855; and after
spending about three-fourths of the year, he joined the Protestant
E. Church, and is gone — we know not where.

The next in order was J. F. Yates, who labored here two years.
During his last year there was a large revival, which increased the •
number to 290. During that year the House of worship was thor-

*Mr. Hubbard was the victim of a useless, if not cr^tcl castom which preyaila
in many places. lie had preached a Juneral sermon in a school-house, which was
densely crowded, and extremely warm. He then rode some distance in an open
sleigh, though the day was cold and the wind harsh. There he stayed until the
grave was filled, and then rode back. By this time he was thoroughly chilled; and
a pulmouai'y disease followed -i.-liicli baiflcd the skill of physicians and the power of
medicine. How many other ministers ha\e been sacrificed on that altar of cruel
custom!

428 HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY.

ouglily repaired and modernized, and made one of the best in the
denomination in Western Vermont.

Mr. Yates was succeeded by B. M. Hall, who is still, (August,
1859) the Pastor. The annual Conference was again entertained
in this village in the spring of 1858 — Bishop Ames presiding, and
" winning golden opinions from all sorts of men."

By a careful examination of the oldest Records which are pre-
served, I find the following names, as in Full Connection, in 1809,
viz :

Lebbeus Harris, Azuba Babcock,

Sarah Harris, Sarah "Weaver,

Daniel Bigelow, Amelia Farns worth,

Betsey T. Bigelow, Chester Kaskins,

Abel Knights, Huldah Fisher,

IS'athan Alden, Local Pr., Joaiah Johnson,

Barbary Alden, Joseph Johnson,

Thomas Carpenter, Local Pr,. Anna Johnson.

Aurelia Carpenter,
How long these had been members, is not known. But it is evi-
dent that a Class had previously existed. — (See Mr. Washburn's
statement on a former page.) Besides, there is a long list of names
placed " On Trial," at the same date, 1809, showing that those not
then on trial, were the oi-iginal members.

There were forty-Jive admitted on trial in that year : which made
the whole number in society sixty-two. Among those who com-
posed that little band^ just fifty years ago, there are but few now
, living ; and fewer still who are in connection with Methodism in
Middlebury.

Of those who were in Full Connection in 1809, Betsey T. Bige-
low is the only representative. She is still here, in good standing
in the church, and looking for a re-union with the others in the
world above.

Of all who joined on trial in 1809, Althea Demming alone sur-
vives among us. And of those admitted in 1810, Joel Boardman
is the sole survivor ! What changes are wrought by the lapse of
time ! Among those who identified themselves with this branch of

IIISTOUY OF MIDDLEBURY 420

the Church in its infancv, several will bo lout' rcmcinbcred for their
attachment and devotion to the cause.

Of such;, mention may be made of Lcbbeus Harris, Daniel Biglow
and thoir wives, David and Clark Dickinson, John and Hastings
Warren, Jonathan Barlow, Luther IJagar, and otlicrs.

From this Society there have gone out at least three Ministers of
the Gospel, who are doing good service within the bounds of tho
Troy Conference ; — Albert Champlin, Alfred A. Farr, and Chester
F, Burdick : — While the sons and daughters of this church arc its
representatives in many places and states.

This churcli, like most others, has had a varied experience —
sometimes passing through waves of trial, and again exulting in

hope of that heavenly rest where

" JN'ot a wave of trouble " rolls.

At times it has been " minishcd and brought loWj" bj reason of

numerous 7'e//iyya/5, and other causes; — and again, it has been

favored with powerful revivals — so tliat " the Avilderness and the

solitary places have been made glad for them, and the desert has

blossomed as the rose."

Its present position is such as will insure success in the future, if
it will only be true to itself and its Master. iNIay this, and every
true church of Christ, " grow into a holy temple in tho Lord."

The following Table exhibits the numbers in Society in each year
since Middlebury became a separate station.

DATE,

NO.

DAIE.

NO.

DATE.

NO.

DATE.

NO.

1809

62

1820

100

1834

244

1842

213

1810

1821

114

1832

215

1843

451

1811

1822

166

1833

200

1844

274

1813

60

1823

149

1884

307

1845

246

1812

60

1824

142

1835

221

1846

246

1814

1825

118

1836

284

1847

240

1815

100

1826

126

1837

296

1848

220

1816

100

1827

139

1838

295

1849

191

1817

97

1828

182

1839

272

1850

185

1818

79

1829

243

1840

245

1851

240

1810

83

1830
37

237

1841

218

1852

183

430 HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY.

PATE. no. DATE. NO. DATE. NO. DATE. Hn:

1853 171 1855 174 1857 155 1859 280

1854 147 1856 160 1858 290

BAPTIST CHURCn.

For manv years there was a respectable Baptist Church and
Societj, generally supplied with regular preaching, and the usual
ordinances of religion. But for ten or twelve years past^ their mem-
bers have been so much reduced by removals and deaths, that the
organization has ceased, and the remaining members attend upon the
worship of the other churches. We have no means of obtaining a
correct account of its history, except from the following, copied
from Dr. Merrill's History, published in 1841.

*' By Rev. Arnold Kingsbury, pastor of the Baptist Church.

The church was constituted Dec. 10, 1809. First pastor Rev.
Nathaniel Kendrick from 1810 to 1817; second Rev. Isaac Back-
land from 1818 to 1820. Since the last date the church has been
destitute, a portion of the time and has enjoyed the labors of the
following pastors, viz : brothers Ewens, Spaulding, Mott, Green,
Haff, A. Jones, W. G. Johnson and A. Kingsbury. The church
generally attended public worship in the Court House, till 1838,
when they procured the meeting house, 65 feet by 32, which they
now occupy. The present number of members in the church is 66."

CATHOLIC CHURCH.

The following account has been furnishedj at our request, by Mr.
Timothy 0' Flanagan.

The first Missionary Catholic Priest, that came to this town Wag
the Rev. James MacQuaide in 1822. He left here the following
year and we had none here until 1830, when the Rev. Jeremiah
O. Callaghan came, as a Missionary of the whole State — coming
here occasionally — until 1834 : Then the State was made into two
missions, and the Rev. James Walsh came on this part of the mis-
sion and left in 1835. In 1837, Rev. John B. Daley came here
and built the present brick church, which is 60 feet by 40, in
1839 : and remained on the mission until 1854. Then the first and

HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY.

431

...present Catholic Bishop of this Diocese, the Right Rev. LeT\i3
;;\.|fioesbriand, sent the Rev. Joseph Duglue, who is here now. The
.■,i"^ijiimbcr of hearers is about 400, and the number of communicauts
{y*-*liOO. Some of these are from the adjacent towns. As to church
■'.'C^embership, any person, no matter wherefrom, who confesses and
■V-ipeceives the eucharist, is a member of the Catholic Church, in any
.?\«art of the world. T. 0. F.

'.\^-|. !.• - . •

•■.n''v •■-•■■• '

• . >.i'r ■

.••(;%•.../.•■•■

(f.CTWVw-j.--

J'C

'^Ai:-

432 msTOUY of ?,iiDi<LEr>T:RY,

CHAPTER XXVI.

INCIDENTS OF THE WAR OF 1812.

At the time of the decLiration of war hy our government against '
Great Britain, in June, 1812, party spirit had risen, between the
Federalists and I^epublicans, to a state of greater asperity than has
since been known, in consequence of the measures which had been
adopted, in defence of the country, against the encroachments of the
British and French, then at war. After the declaration of war, the
friends of the administration felt bound to co-operate with and sus-
tain them in every measure deemed necessary for its successful pros-
ecution. The Federalists, who were opposed to the declaration of
war, as being, as they alleged, unnecessary, impolitic and not tend-
ing to any hopeful result, felt no disposition to co-operate or aid in
the prosecution, beyond the "letter of the law." The principal •
difference between the parties arose from their different construction- '• . ."
of the power given by the constitution to the General Governmenfet ^ '
over the militia of the several states. We have said so much in ex^ . ;
planation of what may follow. But it is our business not to ex-^.*.* ;' .
press any opinion as to their differences; but to confine ourselves t(f. .•;
such occurrences as had some connection with incidents and proceed-^ • ••'
ings in Middlebury. There being no records of those occurrences .'J?.*". •
to which we can appeal, we are obliged to rely much on the recolf •'•••
lection of the few survivors who remain ; which, after nearly fifty!^.''.
years, are of course rather confused and contradictory. For manj/ '• ,
of the facts depending on recollection, we are indebted to Oziaa*.':
Seymour, Esq. •

Soon after the declaration of war, in June, 1812, in pursuance
of the act of Congress authorizing the President to call on the dif-
ferent states for detachments of militia, to the number of 100,000

HISTORY OF MIDDLEBUIIY. 43-i

men, a brigade, consisting of four regiments, "svas called fur fi-om
Vermont, under General Orms. of West Haven, and ordered into
actual service, and was concentrated at Burlington. The men com-
posing the brigade were designated by drafts, except when voluntcei-s
offered themselves. There were, at the time, five or six young gentle-
men studying law in the office of Hon. Horatio Seymour, all of whom,
as well as their instructor, were friends of the administration, and
rather zealous supporters of the war ; and, for that reason, the office
was honored with the designation of the " War Office." Four or
five of these were enrolled in the standing militia company, then un-
der the command, we think, of Capt. Joseph D. Huntington. The
company consisted of seventy or eighty non-commissioned officers
and privates, and about thirteen were to be taken from the number.
When the company was paraded for the draft, the officers called for
volunteers, and suggested the expectation that the young gentlemen
who were so zealous for the war, — referring particularly to the law
students, — would have patriotism enough to volunteer. But none
offered themselves. When the officers retired to make the draft,
and returned to announce the result, it appeared that, among others,
the following law students were drafted, — Hon. Zimri Howe, of Cas-
tleton; the late Hon. Samuel S. Phelps, of Middlcbury; Walter
Sheldon, Esq., and the late John Kellogg, Esq., of Benson. They
complained that there had not been a fair draft ; that they had been
selected instead of being drafted ; and consulted Mr. Seymour on the
subject. He inquired whether they had any evidence of unfairness.
When they replied that they had no available evidence, he advised
them to shoulder their muskets and go to the war. Judge Howo
was soon appointed Secretary to Gen. Orms : Judge Phelps, after
serving some time in the ranks, received from Mr. Madison the ap-
pointment of paymaster : Walter Sheldon, before the troops were
called into service, was appointed a Lieutenant, and served as dis-
trict paymaster in the regular service. But Kellogg declined any
promotion, and preferred to carry his musket in the ranks, wliich ho
did during the term for which the brigade was ordered into service.
About the 10th of April, 1814, it was reported and understood that
a part of the British fleet was seen off Cumberland Head, and their

434 HISTORY OF MIDDLEBl'RY.

design was supposed to be to attack and burn the American fleet In
Otter Creek, in and near Vergennes. On the request of Gen. Wil-
kinson, of the United States armj, Gov. Chittenden, of Vermont,
immediately issued an order, by a messenger, to Col. Sumner, of
Middlebury, commander of a regiment in this County, to call out
his regiment, and forthwith to march them en masse to Vergennes
for the protection of the fleet. At the time, there were few, if any,
United States troops at that place. Three of the companies of the
regiment belonged to Middlebury ; viz. a company of Light Infant-
ry, commanded by Capt. Samuel H. Holley ; a company of Cavalry,
commanded by Capt. John Hacket, and the standing or Flood Wood
company, then under the command of Lieut. Justus Foot — the Cap-
tain being for some reason absent. The order was received by them
on Monday, the llth,or on Tuesday, the 12th of April, and promptly
obeyed. The companies were ready to march as early as the mid-
dle of the afternoon of the day on which the order was received.
Lieut. Foot's company was, about that time, paraded on the com-
mon, and was dismissed under the order to meet at eight o'clock
the next morning on the hill just south of Vergennes. A large
part of the company, having left their ranks, were immediately on
their way to the place of rendezvous the next morning, each one
looking out for himself a place to lodge, during the leisure hours he
might have, in reaching the place of meeting at 8 o'clock in the
morning. Capt. Allen, (who came into town only a week before, a
stranger to nearly all the company, and wholly without equipments
or other preparation,) and a few others, started too late to reach the
place at the appointed time, and found the company quartered in a
barn at Vergennes.

Hon. Joel Doolittle was then adjutant of the regiment, and Hon.
Samuel S. Phelps had an appointment in the staff'. Soon after the
regiment reached Vergennes, Gen. Dunton, of Bristol, who com-
manded the brigade to which the regiment belonged, appeared and
claimed the command. This claim was resisted by Col. Sumner^
and an animated and somewhat amusing war of ivoi^ds ensued be-
tween the general and colonel, which was the most decidedly bellig-
erent display the regiment was called on to witness.

HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY. AZo

Lieut. Foot was a Federalist, and being jealous of tho rights of
his company, became disaffected bj the movements made in the
organization of the troops, and refused to have his company mustered
under the proposed arrangements. Their operations were therefore
kept separate and independent of the other companies ; and, on
Saturday-, the iGth, he gave a furlough to each of his men, under an
order to be in readiness to return when called for.*

The report, which occasioned the alarm, on the occasion referred
to, turned out to be erroneous. No British fleet or signs of pres-
ent danger appeared. Accordingly Governor Chittenden, who
was at Vergennes, in consultation with Commodore Mac Donou'^h.

*Mr. Seymour's recollection of what he then and afterwards understood, is, that
the ground of Foot's disafiection wa?, that he was unwilling to have his comjjanj
mustei-cd into service under United States officers. This at the time was a mooted
question. Nahum Parker, Esq., who was a member of the company, agrees with
Mr. Seymour in his recollection. Capt. Ira Allen, also a member of the company,
states, as his recollection, that Foot olijected only to the derangement of his compa-
ny, by dividing it, and mix'ng it with others, to make it conform, In its organiza-
tion, to that of the United States army; that he was willing the vacancy in the of-
fice of captain should be filled by another person, but claimed the right to act as
lieutenant of his own company, as it was ordered into the service. On the third
day, Capt. Allen and a few others, who had no guns and could get none, were dis-
missed, and returned home. On Siitui-day,as Allen learned from Foot, he received
some official communication, in which he was recognized as commander of the com-
pany which he brought there, and he took the liberty, as their commander, to give
them a furlough until further orders. The same niglit, after his return home,
Foot received an order from Col. Sumner, to return, and he went himself, the next
morning, without his men, and while there he and his men were discharged, as the
other companies afterwards were, under an order to return when called for.

Mr. Lorin Fillmore, aJso a member of the company, whose recollection is more
minute and definite, states, in addition, that many of the companies were small,
and when counted off into full companies, there were many supernumerary officers,
■who were left out of the service, and among them Lieut. Foot ; and a captain and
lieutenant were appointed over his men from other towns. When this was reported
to the company, and the new officers appeared to take the command, they unani-
mously decided not to submit to that organization: That on Thursday, Foot and
his company marched out of the city, and were followed by the Colonel, Adjutant,
and some other officers, who addressed them, and gave them encouragement that
the organization should be altered ; and thereupon the company returned to their
qu:irter3 in the barn. But no alteration wa.s made, and on Saturd.ay furloughs
were given to the companj-, as above stated. He also states that the militia mus-
tered into the service were commanded and drille'l by United States officers.

436 IIISTCWIY OF MIDDLECURY.

on the 19th of April issued a general order to Col. Sumner, in
which he stjites, tliat the Commodore " will be competent to protect
the flotilhi under his command, after he shall get the gallies now on
the stocks afloat;" and directs the Colonel, " in the event of the
gallies being launched to permit the militia under his command to
return to their homes, except Capt. William C. ]\Iunson's company
from Panton, who will remain until further orders ;" and that
the troops were to be held " in complete readiness to march on the
shortest notice, without further orders, to meet any invasion tlie
enemy may attempt." On the 20th of April he issued another order,
stating that he had agreed with the Commodore " on an alarm sm-
nal of three heavy guns, to be fired in rapid succession, in case of
attack by the enemy," and giving the Colonel permission " to
furlough the officers and soldiers, (Capt. Munson's company excepted)
until further orders." On the 22d of the same month he issued a
third o-eneral order to the Colonel, statinn; that he " has received in-
telligence, that a regiment of the United States army at Plattsburgh
had been ordered to proceed to Vergennes, for the defence of the
naval force ;" and says — " Col. Sumner will therefore on the arri-
val of these troops, proceed to discharge the whole detachment un-
der his command." We learn from a man who belonged to that
corps of United States troops, that on their arrival, which was about
four days after the date of the order, the militia were dismissed. Mr.
Seymour relates the following, as what he understood at the time.
A few hours before the troops were relieved, Col. Sumner called his
officers to a council of war, to determine what should be done.
Commodore MacDonough was invited to be present and express his
opinion. The Commodore, in reply to their inquiry, said, in sub-
stance,— " Gentlemen, I am willing to compromise this matter with
you. If you will take your militia home, I will take care of the
fleet. I am vastly more in danger from your niexi, than from the
enemy." The occasion of this pleasantry, on the part of MacDon-
ough, is said to have been, that one of the militia men, in a room
occupied as a guard house, directly under the Commodore, accidently
discharged his musket, which sent its contents through Mac Don-
ough's floor, pasr^ing near his person, as he sat at his table. The

IIIStOllY OF MIDDLEBURY. 437

i-esult of the council ^Yas, that the regiment had leave to retnru to
their homes, on an indefinite furlough, under orders to be in readiness
to return at a moment's warning.

In the month of May following, a British fleet, consisting of a
brig, three sloops and thirteen gallies, came up the lake from St.
Johns, passed Burlington on the 12th, and appeared before Fort
Cassin, at th6 mouth of the Creek, and opened a spirited fire upon
that fort, Ayith a view of forcing their way up the Creek, and destoy-
ing the American shipping before it should be ready for service.
After exchanging a few shots with the fort, they retreated and re-
turned to Canada. On the proposed signal, or other notice, some of
the militia on furlough, nearest to Fort Cassin, especially in Addi-
son, returned and aided in the defence.

In the fore part of September, 1814, Governor Provost, of Can-
ada, invaded the territory of the United States at the head of 14,000
troops, marching towards Plattsbul'gh. On the 6th of that month, a
small reconuoitering party of regular American troops and militia
met the advance guard of the British army, and had a skirmish
■with them, in which sevel'al of the Americans were killed, and, it is
said, some British. The bodies of the Americans were left, and re-
mained above ground until after the retreat of the British army,
and were buried by the American volunteers on the 12th. An alarm
was spread through the surrounding country, and a general rally
followed. As soon as the citizens heard that the soil of their coun-
try was defiled by the tread of an invading foe, all party distinctions
and all constitutional scruples were laid aside, and all parties rallied
to the rescue. jNIessengers were sent into all parts of this State and
New York to give the alarm. A very inadequate force of regular
troops, — a single brigade, — under General Macomb, was stationed
at Plattsburgh, — the main army having moved westward.

On the 4th of September, Gen. Macomb wrote to Hon. Martin
Chittenden, Governor of Vermont, giving notice of the near approach
of the enemy, and said — " JNIuch is at stake at this place, and aid is
actually wanted, as the garrison is small, and the enemy in consid-
erable force. Under these circumstances, your excellency, lam sure,

will not hesitate to afford us all the assistance in your power." Gov-

38

438 HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURT.

ernor Chittendeiij on the same tlay, replied, — '• I sliall take the most
efiectual measure to furnish such number of volunteers as may be
induced to turn out for your assistance." On the same day also,
he enclosed a copy of Gen. Macomb's letter to Gen. Newell, of Char-
lotte, commander of the brigade in that neighborhood, "-which," he
says, " will show you the situation of our army at Plattsburgh, and
the necessity of such assistance as can be afforded. I would recom-
mend it to you to take the most efiectual method to procure such
number of volunteers as may be had for his immediate assistance,
from your brigade." Col. Fassett, of the United States army, on
the 7th of September, wrote to Gov. Chittenden, saying — " I learn
by Mr. Wadsworth that there is a considerable quantity of fixed am-
munition at Vergennes, subject to your order. Can I have a part
of it for the volunteers? Please inform me by my son." To which
Gov. Chittenden replied the same day — " If there is any (fixed am-
munition) subject to my order, this letter may be considered a suffi-
cient order for such part of the same as may be wanted."

In every town in this section the standard was raised and the cit-
izens gathered around it. The volunteers in the several towns were
not generally organized, and did not meet together until they met at
Burlington, where they were detained for a passage across the lake,
or on the battle-field. "When a smaller or larger squad had collected,
they started forward, leaving the more dilatory to follow. In this
town. Gen. Warren made the first direct efibrt to raise volunteers.
As early as Tuesday or Wednesday — the 6th or 7th of Sept., — ho
came on to the village common, followed by martial music, and in-
vited all who were so disposed, to join him as volunteers. After
marching once or twice around the common, forty or fifty men had
fallen into the ranks, and the number was afterwards increased. When
a dozen or two were ready to start with him, they marched for the
field of battle, and others, as fast as they were ready, followed.

The patriotism on the occasion was not confined to the volunteers.
The panic was universal. Those who were left beliind exhibited their
zeal by liberal contributions. The volunteers wanted ammunition,
provisions and teams to transport them to Burlington, where vessels
were engaged to convey them to the scene of conflict, A subscrip-

HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY.

4?>y

tion was accordingly circulated, in the hand- writing of Hon. Horatio

Seymour, in the following words, and subscribed by the persons

whose names follow :

Middlcbury, September. 1814,

" We, the subscribers, promise to pay Daniel Chipman, Ira Stew-
art and Jonathan Hagar the sums annexed to our names respectively,
to be appropriated by the said Daniel, Ira and Jonathan, as a com-
mittee, in providing those who shall turn out to defend the country
against the invasion, at the present alarm, with ammunition, arms,
and other necessaries, and in their discretion to give pecuniary aid
to such as shall turn out, who are needy, or their families.

Horatio Seymour $30,00 Joel Doolittle ^'10,00 If askall & Brooks ^10,00

Peter Starr 10,00

W. G. Hooker 10,00
Elisha Brewster 5,00
Samuel Mattocks 5,00
David Page, Jr. 35,00

Eben W. Judd

20,00

Milo Cook

10,00

Jonathan Hagar

30,00

Ira Stewart

80,00

Daniel Chipman

30 00

S. S. Phelps

5,00

Thomas Hagar 10,00
Lavius Fillmore 10,00
Luther Hagar 5,00

Moses Leonard 5,00

William Slade, Jr. 5,09

$275,00

The money thus provided was paid out for powder, bullets, bread
and other provisions, and teams to convey the volunteers on their way.
And one of the charges to this fund was — " One quarter cask of pow-
der, which was used on Monday, 12th September, for rejoicing, $11."
The whole sum expended, however, was only $203,50 ; and the pay-
ments on the subscriptions were reduced in proportion.

Other men, and the boys had also an opportunity to exhibit their
patriotism. While the volunteers were making their preparations to
start for the field of battle, — including the night before the detach-
ment commenced their march, — the men and boys were engaged, at
the office of Mr. Seymour, in making the powder into cartridges for
the volunteers. Fearing to have a light in the room during the night,
the floor, where the powder was, had became literally blackened by the
powder which scattered over it in filling the cartridges. After there
was sufficient morning light to discern the situation of the room,
some one present said, — " We have certainly been in more danger
here to-night than any of our volunteers will be in at Plattsburgh."

When a sufficient number of volunteers had met together they or-
ga»ized as they could, in a summary and unceremonious way, by

440 HISTORY GF .AriDDLECURT.

putting forward such prominent men as were willing, to be officers.
And when new recruits came on. they took their places as they could
in the ranks. Gen. Warren and his men, and many others, did not
reach the camp-ground until the evening of Saturday, the day before
the battle, and some not until the next morning ; and others wholly
lost their chance in the battle by arriving after it was over.

To General Samuel Strong, of Vergcnnes, father of the present
Samuel P. Strong, was assigned the position of Commander-in-Chief
of the Vermont Volunteers. Major Lyman, of Vergennes, was his
right hand man, and was appointed Colonel. He had had some ex-
perience in the Revolutionary War. Gen. Warren was first chosen
Captain of the Middlebury volunteers, but was afterwards advanced
to the rank of Major.* Capt. Silas Wright, of Weybridge, as cap-
tain, commanded the volunteers of that town and Cornwall ; and af-
ter the promotion of Gen. Warren, the Middlebury men fell into his
and other companies, as they were most needed. Jehial Saxton, of
Bristol, was Captain, and Daniel Collins, of Monkton, Lieutenant of
the troops from those towns ; and John Morton, of Salisbury, was
Captain of the troops of that town. Dr. Zaccheus Bass, of Middle-
bury, went on with Gen. Warren as surgeon of the volunteers of
Middlebury and neighboring towns ; and was employed in the hos-
pital on Crab Island, in the care of the wounded, after the battle.

In this extemporaneous gathering and organization, it is difficult,
at this late day, to ascertain who were pre3ent,or how a great major-
ity of them were employed. Mr. Daniel Wright, of Weybridge, who
was serving in the battle as orderly sergeant, states that James Ri-
ley, of that town, in the rear of his right hand man, was wounded
in the neck by a musket ball, and died of the wound after he returned

*We have spoken, in its proper place, of General Hastings Warren only as an
early settler and man of business, and having an important connection with onr
history. We take occasion of the mention of (he patriotic part he bore, as a volun-
teer, in the defence of his country, to add that he was, in addition to his distin-
guished military position, a respectable, useful and influential citizen lor many
years. Of a very interesting family of children, only two survive, — Mrs. Jane
Ripley, wife of William Y. Ripley, Esq., of Rutland, and Edward S.Warren. Esq.,
of Buffalo, who was graduated at Middlebury College in 1833. Gen. Warren died
jit the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Ripley, in May, 1845.

v^

;. l.lOiili'-r.y l.llh niiyliin.

f

70'L^

HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY. 441

home. lie was also ney Betliuel Goodrich, of MiJJlcbury, who
was wounded in his foot, and saw Dr. Bullard, of Weybridge, — who
was in the battle, surgeon as well as soldier, and equipped for either
service, — extract the ball. The wound was not serious. We are
not aware that any others of the Vermont volunteers suffered seri-
ously in the battle. Major Lyman, after his return, was seized with
a violent fever, contracted in the service, and died greatly lamented.
And we believe there were others attacked with similar fevers.

The volunteers were more accustomed to hunting wild animals
than fighting men; and while they secured themselves as they could
behind trees and other protecting objects, they were careful to take
aim at individuals of the enemy, and killed and wounded many of
them. After the battle, a number of British prisoners taken by the
volunteers were collected together, and the man, who appeared to be
most prominent among them, was inquired of as to his experience in
war. He mentioned, in reply, several battles in which he had been
engaged, and said that he had never been in one half equal to this ;
that these green-sprig men, — the Vermont A^olunteers, who wore
green sprigs in their hats, — would hide themselves behind the trees,
aim at individuals, and hit every man aimed at ; and that their ar-
my called it murder.

We are not able to state the number of Volunteers from the sev-
eral towns. The number from Middlebury, we judge, from the es-
timate of different persons, to be from 150 to 200.

In the midst of the excitement, we were compelled to follow the
example of other patriotic citizens, — not to fight, for we had no tal-
ent for that. We reached Burlington on the afternoon of Thursday
the 8th of June. There we found Hon. Martin Chittenden, Gov-
ernor of Vermont, and General Samuel Strong, Commander in
Chief of the Vermont volunteers, in consultation on the approach-
ing cirisis. The writer then held the position of Secretary to the
Governor and Council. In that capacity, we were admitted to a
familiar intercourse with both these important personages. The
volunteers were flocking in and filling up the town ; but there were
no means of conveying them, that night, to the field of their antic-
ipated exploits. But a vessel Avas to be ready the next morning,

442 HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY.

the 9th, to convey over the General and %ach of tlic troops as tho
vessel could carry. We. of course, ■were to accompany the General
in the same vessel, with the Governor's military aid. To bring U3
into more immediate communication "with the Commander of the
army at Plattsburgh. and the better to ascertain the condition, perils
and necessities of the small body of the American troops there, the
General sent by us the following letter addressed to Gen. Macomb.
'• Burlington, September 11, (a misprint for 9.) 1814.

Sir : — The bearers, Amos W. Barnura Escj., my military Aid,
and Samuel Swift Esq., Secretary to the Governor and Council of
this State, Avill go to Plattsburgh, for the purpose, if practicable, of
communicating with you, and of receiving any information you may
please to communicate, that we may know how to govern ourselves,
in endeavoring to furnish assistance. They will communicate to me
any necessary information you may give them for this purpose. I
am with high consideration your humble servant.

General Macomb. Martix Chittenden."

The next morning all hands were early awake, and soon we were
m-aking our way to the wharf, where the vessel lay. The Governor
accompanied us, with as much apparent enthusiasm, as the most
patriotic Green Mountain Boy, and said to us, as we were leaving,
with emphasis, — ''I wish my position would allow me to go with you."

We reached Plattsburgh the same afternoon, and accompanied
Gen. Strong to the fort, and were introduced to Gen. Macomb, who
received us courteously, and we remained some time, in examining
the fortifications, and looking, for the first time, upon the array of
a hostile army, in full view, and within cannon shot. But as the
evening approached, Gen. Macomb advised us to retreat and get a
shelter elsewhere, as he thought they might be attacked before
morning. We understood the British, during the darkness of the
nights, were arranging their batteries nearer the fort.

We were not present, nor very near the battle of the 11th of
September, but were not out of hearing of the great guns. On
Friday night, after we left the fort, we crawled into the largo tent
of Gen. Thomas, on Crab Island, which was already well filled, and
laid ourselves down on a wet board, with hemlock boughs for a pil-

HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY. 443

low, and remained until tho dawning light of fhe next mornin'^.
The night of Saturday wc lodged in a log cabin, inhabited by a
kind old man and woman, high up on one of tho New York hillsj
which shuts down to the west bank of the lake, where our hunfrcr
was appeased, and our fatigue relieved, with the best the house af-
forded. In the afternoon of the next day^— the day of the battle, —
we reached; in such way as we could, — the west side of the Island
of North Hero, in full view of the shattered fleets, and the battle
field on the land. Not being able to find a passage that night, we
oocupied the neighboring hay-mows for our lodging* The next morn-
ing we found boats to take us to tiie fleet, and were very courteously
received by Commodore McDonough, with whom we were well ac-
quainted. He had married a Isihs Shaler of Middletown, Connec-
ticut. While he was in the neighborhood of the lake, building and
preparing his fleet at Vergennes for the conflict, and superintending
its operations, his wife, a most interesting women, spent her time in
Middlebury, in the family of Mrs. Latimer, with whom she had
been acquainted while Middletown was the residence of both. And
of course the Commodore spent his leisure time here, and became
intimate in the society of Middlebury. It is not too much to say
that every body admired him as a gentleman, and singularly quali-
fied for his responsible position. \Ye also visited the vessel, in
which Commodore Downey was killed, and in which wc saw his
corpse, and the fort, where we saw several acquaintances, belongihg
to the regular army.

Of the state of the troops, before and after the battle, and of tho
success, which attended the contest, in the battle, Gen. Strong made
regular communications to Gov. Chittenden. On the 10th, the day
before the battle, he wrote — "I have been up the river this morning
five or six miles, which was lined with the enemy on the north side.
They have made several attempts to cross, but without success. This
is the line that is to be defended. I have ascertained, to a certainty,
the number of militia from Vermont, now on the ground well armed,
is 1812 ; irom New York, 700 ; Regular troops under General Ma-
comb, he says, 2000. He treated me very friendly." " \Yo have
strong expectations of 2000 detached militia, ordcro<^l out by Gen.

444 HISTORY OF MIDDLEBURY.

Mooers, arriving saon." " I hope you and our friends will send
four or five thousand to our assistance as soon as possible." Sep-
tember 11, Sunday, 7 o'clock, P. M., he wrote again, — "We are
now encamped, with 2500 Vermont A^olunteers, on the south gide of
the Saranac, opposite the enemy's right wing, which is commanded
by General Brisbane. We have had the satisfaction to see the Brit-
ish fleet strike to our brave Commodore, McDonough. The fort was
attacked at the same time, the enemy attempting to cross the river
at every place fordable, for four miles up the river. But they were
foiled at every attempt, except at Pike's encampment, where we hoyr
are. The New York militia were posted at the place, under Gens.
Mooers and Wright. They were forced to give back a few miles,-
until they were reinforced by their artillery. The General informed
me of his situation, and wished for our assistance, which was readily
afforded. We met the enemy and drove him across the river, under
cover of his artillery. Our loss is trifling. We took 20 or 30 pris-
oners. Their number of killed is not known. We have been skir-
Inishing all day on the banks of the river. This is the only place he
crossed, and he has paid dear for that. I presume the enemy's force
exceeds the number I wrote you. What will be our fate to-morrow
I knoAV not ; but I am willing to risk the consequence attending it,
being convinced of the bravery and skill of my ofiicers and men."

Gen. Strong had no occasion for alarm for what was to take place
" to-morrow." As soon as the British fleet had acknowledged their
defeat by the bravery of McDonough and his men, Gov. Provost or-
dered a retreat, and the ithole British army were on their way to
Canada the same night.

There was a recruiting station continued here during the whole
war ; and it is said that as many as two hundred and fifty, from
this and the neighboring towns, were enlisted for the regular army.